Three minutes are allowed to search for a lost ball – but when exactly does the countdown begin according to golf rules?
Almost everyone knows the scene: a ball disappears into thick rough, fellow players immediately start searching – but the player involved is still casually walking along. The question arises: when exactly does the clock start? Golf rules are clear: the search time only starts when the player or their caddie actively begins the search. The answer is found in Rule 18.2a. It does not count when others start looking – the three-minute timer begins only when the player personally starts searching.
Since 2019, the allowed search time has been 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 take a penalty stroke and return to where the previous shot was played.
Players who delay lose – how golf rules enforce fairness
However, some golfers take their time. The rules address this clearly: if a player deliberately delays to let others do the searching first, they cannot claim a later start for the search time. The clock runs from the moment the player could have started without delay, keeping the game fair and flowing.
Finding is not always identifying the ball
If the ball is found within time, the search ends – at least in terms of the timer. But what if it’s unclear whether it is the player’s actual ball? No worries: the rules allow a reasonable time to identify it. The ball may be lifted, marked, and lightly cleaned as long as the spot is marked. The important point: the ball must be found within three minutes. Afterwards, the player can take extra time to be sure it’s their ball.
If two identical balls lie in the search area, it can be confusing. The rules help here too: if the original ball cannot be clearly identified, the player may decide which ball is provisional, removing the other from play.
Ball moved during search? No penalty but remember to replace
In dense rough or sand, the ball may accidentally move during search. The rules state this is not penalized if it happens during a normal search. The ball must be replaced at its original spot, whether under branches or partially buried. The golf rules leave no room for interpretation: those who search must act correctly.