Three minutes are allowed to search for a lost ball – but when does the countdown officially start according to golf rules?
Everyone knows the scenario: a ball disappears into thick rough, fellow players immediately start searching while the player involved takes their time getting there. So when exactly does the clock start? The golf rules are clear: the search time only begins when the player or caddie actively starts searching. According to Rule 18.2a, it doesn’t matter when others start looking—the three-minute countdown starts when the player themselves begin the search.
Since 2019, the allowed search time is limited to three minutes, down from five, to speed up play. If the ball isn’t found within this time, it’s considered lost. The player then must return to the previous spot with a penalty stroke.
Who Dawdles, Loses – How Golf Rules Enforce Fair Play
Still, some players like to take their time. The rules address this: if a player deliberately delays to let their group do the searching first, they cannot claim a later start to the search time. The clock runs from when the player could have started searching without delay, ensuring fair and smooth play.
Found Doesn’t Mean Identified
If a ball is found within time, the search officially ends. But what if it’s unclear whether it’s the player’s ball? The rules permit a reasonable period for identification. The ball may be picked up, marked, and lightly cleaned as long as the spot is marked. The crucial point is the ball must be located within the three-minute window. Afterwards, players may take time to confirm it’s their ball.
When two identical balls lie in the search area, confusion arises. In such cases, the player can decide which ball is provisional; the other is out of play.
Ball Moved? No Problem—But Remember to Replace
In dense rough or sand, a ball may accidentally move during the search. The rules state this is without penalty as long as it happens during normal search. The ball must be replaced exactly where it was found, whether under branches or partially in sand. The rules leave no room for interpretation: players must act correctly while searching.