Three minutes are allowed to find a lost ball – but when exactly does the countdown start according to golf rules?
Almost every golfer knows the scene: a ball disappears in thick rough, playing partners immediately start searching while the player lags behind. The question arises: when does the clock start? According to Rule 18.2a, the search time only begins when the player or caddie actively starts looking. It does not count when other players or spectators begin searching – the three minutes start only when the player begins the search.
Since 2019, the allowed search time has been limited to three minutes, down from the previous five to speed up play. If the ball is not found within this time, it is deemed lost and the player must return to the previous spot with a penalty stroke.
Delay Means Loss – How Golf Rules Enforce Timely Searches
Some golfers tend to take their time, but the rules address this clearly. If a player deliberately delays to let others do the initial searching, they cannot claim a later start time for their search period. The clock runs from when the player could have started searching without delay, ensuring fair and fluid play.
Found but Not Identified – What the Rules Say
When a ball is discovered within the time limit, the search ends as far as timing is concerned. But if it’s unclear whether it’s the player’s own ball, the rules allow a reasonable time to identify it. The ball may be lifted, marked, and lightly cleaned as long as its position is marked. The key is the ball must be located within three minutes; afterward, extra time is permitted to confirm its identity.
If two identical balls appear, the player may declare one as provisional if the original ball cannot be definitively identified. The other ball is then out of play.
Ball Moved During Search? No Penalty, But Replace It
Searching in dense rough or sand can accidentally move the ball. The rules state this is not penalized during a normal search. The ball must be replaced at its original spot, whether under branches or partially buried in sand. Proper procedure is mandatory when searching.