Three minutes to search for a lost ball – but when does the countdown really start according to golf rules?
Everyone knows the scene: a ball disappears into thick rough, playing partners immediately start searching – while the player strolls slowly behind. So, when exactly does the timer start? Golf rules are clear: the search time begins only when the player or caddie actively starts to look for the ball. According to Rule 18.2a, it doesn’t matter when others start searching – the three minutes start only once the player begins their search.
Since 2019, the allowed search time is limited to three minutes, reduced from five to speed up play. If the ball is not found within this time, it is considered lost. The player must then return to the previous spot with a penalty stroke.
Delaying costs you – how golf rules enforce the timer
Some golfers like to take their time, but golf rules address this too. If a player intentionally delays to let others do the work, the search time starts from when the player could have begun looking without delay. This keeps the game fair and flowing.
Identifying the found ball and moving it during search
Finding a ball ends the search time, but if unsure whether it’s the correct ball, golf rules allow a reasonable period to identify it. The ball may be lifted, marked, and lightly cleaned if its position is marked. The important part is that the ball must be found within the three minutes; extra time can be taken to confirm identity.
If two identical balls lie in the search area, and the original cannot be identified, the player may select which ball is provisional; the other is out of play.
Sometimes the ball moves accidentally during search, especially in thick rough or sand. This is not penalized as long as it happens during a normal search. The ball must be replaced to its original spot, regardless of where it was found. Golf rules leave no room for interpretation: those searching must act correctly.