Three minutes are allowed to search for a lost ball – but when exactly does the countdown start according to golf rules?
Almost every golfer knows the scene: a ball disappears into thick rough, fellow players immediately start searching while the affected player or caddie lags behind. So, when exactly does the clock start? The golf rules are clear: the search time only begins once the player or their caddie actively starts looking. According to Rule 18.2a, it does not matter when others begin searching; the three-minute timer starts only when the player initiates the search themselves.
Since 2019, the allowed search time has been limited to three minutes, down from five minutes previously, to speed up play. If the ball is not found within this period, it is deemed lost, and the player must return to the previous spot with a penalty stroke.
Delaying Costs – How Golf Rules Enforce Fairness
Some golfers may be tempted to delay their search, letting others do the groundwork first. However, the rules address this clearly: a player cannot claim a delayed start to the search time if they purposely hesitate. The clock starts from the moment the player could have reasonably begun searching without delay, keeping the game fair and flowing smoothly.
Found but Not Identified: What Happens Next?
Once a ball is found within the three minutes, the search is technically over. But what if it’s unclear whether it’s the player’s ball? The rules permit a reasonable amount of time to identify the ball, including lifting, marking, and lightly cleaning it, provided the location is marked. The key is that the initial find occurs within the three-minute window. After that, more time can be taken to confirm it is the correct ball.
If two identical balls lie in the search area, confusion may arise. The player may declare one ball as provisional if the original cannot be distinguished, and the other ball is then considered out of play.
Ball Moved During Search? No Penalty—But Remember to Replace It
It’s common for a ball to be accidentally moved during a search, especially in dense rough or sand. The rules state this is not a penalty as long as the movement happens during a normal search. The ball must simply be replaced to its original spot, whether it was under branches or partially buried in sand. The regulations leave no room for interpretation: players searching must act properly and restore the ball’s position.