How long can I search for my ball before it's lost?

You have three minutes to search for your ball before it is lost. If you keep searching after that time, you are unreasonably delaying play and risk a one-stroke penalty under Rule 5.6a.

The three-minute search window

The Rules allow you three minutes to find your ball once you or your caddie reach the area where it's likely to be. The clock starts when you begin searching, not when you arrive at the general area. If the ball isn't found within three minutes, it's lost and you must proceed under stroke and distance.

Continuing to search after time expires

Rule 5.6a prohibits unreasonable delay. The official interpretation makes clear that continuing to search for several minutes after the three-minute search time has expired is an unreasonable delay. A first breach adds one penalty stroke; a second breach adds the general penalty; a third means disqualification.

What counts as reasonable vs unreasonable

Brief delays from normal events — waiting for the group ahead, a quick rules question, a sudden injury — are reasonable. Delays within your control that affect other players or the competition are not. The Committee may also set a Local Rule pace-of-play policy with its own time limits and penalties.

Exceptions that change the answer

• A player suffers a sudden illness or injury → The Committee should normally allow up to 15 minutes to recover before the failure to continue play becomes unreasonable delay.

Frequently asked questions

When does the three-minute search time start?

The three minutes start when you or your caddie begin actively searching for the ball in the area where it's likely to be, not when you arrive at the general vicinity.

What happens if I find my ball after three minutes?

If you find it after the three-minute search period has ended, the ball is already lost. You cannot play it and must proceed under stroke and distance.

Can I get extra search time if the ball is in a difficult spot?

No. The three-minute limit is fixed. Continuing to search beyond it is unreasonable delay under Rule 5.6a and carries a penalty.

Does the three-minute limit apply in match play and stroke play?

Yes. The search time and the unreasonable-delay penalty apply in all forms of play.

What if my playing partners keep searching after time is up?

You are responsible for your own pace. If the group's search exceeds three minutes, each player who continues searching risks a penalty for unreasonable delay.