Three minutes are allowed to search for a lost ball – but when exactly does the countdown start according to golf rules?
Almost everyone knows the scene: a ball disappears in thick rough, playing partners immediately start searching while the player involved walks slowly after. The question arises: when does the clock actually start? The golf rules are clear: the search time begins only when the player or caddie actively starts searching. This is specified in Rule 18.2a. It does not matter when others start searching; the three-minute countdown starts only when the player begins looking.
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, and the player must return to the previous spot with a penalty stroke.
Who delays, loses – How the golf rules enforce this
Nevertheless, some golfers like to take their time. The rules address this clearly: those who intentionally delay to make others do the work cannot claim a delayed start of the search timer. The clock starts when the player could have started searching without delay. This keeps the game fair and flowing smoothly.
Found does not always mean identified
If the ball is spotted in time, the search ends according to the time limit. But what if it’s unclear whether it is the player’s own ball? The rules allow a reasonable time to identify it. The ball may be lifted, marked, and cleaned lightly as long as the spot is marked. The key is that the ball is found within three minutes; additional time can be taken afterward to confirm its identity.
If two identical balls lie near each other, confusion often arises. The rules help here as well: if the original ball cannot be clearly identified, players may decide which ball will be treated as provisional; the other is out of play.
Ball moved? No problem – but remember to replace it
In dense rough or sand, the ball can accidentally move during the search. The rules state that this is penalty-free if it happens while searching normally. The ball must be replaced to its original spot regardless of its position. The rules leave no room for interpretation: searchers must act properly.