Three minutes are allowed to search for a lost ball – but when exactly does the countdown start according to golf rules?
Everyone knows the scene: a ball disappears in thick rough, fellow players immediately start searching while the player involved strolls up slowly. The question arises: when exactly does the clock start? The golf rules are clear: the search time starts only when the player or the caddie actively begins the search. According to Rule 18.2a, it does not matter when others begin looking – the three-minute timer starts only when the player starts searching themselves.
Since 2019, the allowed search time is three minutes, reduced from five to speed up play. If the ball is not found within that time, it is considered lost. The player must then proceed with a penalty stroke to the previous spot.
Who dawdles, loses – how golf rules enforce this
Still, some golfers take their time. The rules address this clearly: if a player deliberately delays to let their group do preliminary searching, they cannot claim a later start to the search time. The timer starts when the player could have reasonably begun searching without delay, keeping the game fair and flowing.
Found is not always identified
If the ball is spotted within time, the search ends. But what if it’s unclear whether it is the player’s ball? Golf rules allow a reasonable time for identification. The ball may be lifted, marked, and lightly cleaned if the spot is marked. The important part is the ball is found within three minutes; identification time is beyond that.
If two identical balls lie in the search area causing confusion, the player may decide which ball is provisional. The other is then out of play.
Ball moved? No problem – but remember to replace it
In dense rough or sand, the ball may be accidentally moved during search. This is allowed without penalty as long as it happens during a normal search. The ball must then be replaced in its original spot, whether under branches or partially in sand. The rules are clear: a player searching must also act correctly.