How Golf Lost-Ball Procedure Works Explainer
A golf ball is lost if it is not found within three minutes after the player or caddie begins searching. Once that time expires, the player must proceed under stroke and distance unless another rule, such as known or virtually certain entry into a penalty area, applies.
Stroke and distance means adding one penalty stroke and playing another ball from where the previous stroke was made. A tee shot that is lost therefore sends the player back to the tee to play the third shot under the standard procedure.
A provisional ball can save the return trip when the original may be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds. The player must announce the provisional before making it. It becomes the ball in play under the conditions set out in the rule.
Anyone may help search, and the player gets a reasonable time to identify a candidate ball found within the limit. Some courses use a local rule offering an alternative with a two-stroke penalty for casual play, but it applies only when adopted.
Three minutes from when the player, caddie, or partner begins looking.
One penalty stroke plus loss of distance by replaying from the previous spot.
When the original ball may be lost outside a penalty area or may be out of bounds.
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