Lost Ball
Rules
Explained Simply
If you cannot find your ball within 3 minutes of searching, it is officially lost. You must return to where you last played from and hit again with a 1-stroke penalty.
Example
“Your drive goes into thick trees. You search 3 minutes and can't find it — take a stroke-and-distance penalty and hit 3 from the tee.”
Why it matters
The 3-minute rule was reduced from 5 minutes in 2019 to speed up play. Not finding the ball hurts both your score and pace.
Common beginner mistake
Searching too long and slowing down the entire group. After 3 minutes, take your medicine and move on.
Related
beginner
Rules
Related
- Provisional BallA second ball hit from the same spot when you think your first ball might be lost or out of bounds. Saves time — you don't have to walk back if the original is indeed lost.
- Out of Bounds (OB)Areas outside the course boundary where play is not allowed, usually marked by white stakes or lines. If your ball goes OB, you take a penalty.