Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Ball Search is the fair, reasonable process of looking for and identifying a player’s ball after a stroke. Under the Rules, a ball is lost if it is not found within three minutes after the player or caddie begins searching, subject to the identification allowance in Rule 18.2a(1).
How it matters in match play
Ball Search can decide how a hole continues in match play. If the ball is not found within three minutes, it is lost and the player normally takes stroke-and-distance relief, adding one penalty stroke and playing from the previous spot. A ball found within time may be identified with reasonable extra time, and the opponent may protect their interests by asking for a ruling if the players disagree.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Ball Search |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf 2023, Rules 7.1–7.4 and 18.2a(1)–18.2b; match-play procedure: Rules 3.2 and 20.1b |
| Related concepts | Lost Ball, Stroke and Distance, Provisional Ball, Known or Virtually Certain, Ruling |
Worked example
Alex starts searching at 10:00 and finds a possible ball at 10:02:40; he may take reasonable time to identify it, but if no ball is found by 10:03:00, it is lost and he returns to the previous spot with one penalty stroke.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf 2023, Rules 7.1–7.4 and 18.2a(1)–18.2b; match-play procedure: Rules 3.2 and 20.1b
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
How long do you get to search for a golf ball?
Three minutes, measured from when the player or caddie begins searching. If a ball is found within that time but cannot immediately be identified, Rule 18.2a(1) allows a reasonable time to identify it, even if that takes the clock past three minutes.
Can I move grass or branches while searching?
Yes, a player may take reasonable actions to find and identify the ball, including moving or bending grass, bushes and branches. If the ball is accidentally moved during a fair search, there is no penalty, but it must be replaced on its original spot.
What happens in match play if my ball is not found?
The ball is lost after three minutes if it has not been found. The player normally takes stroke-and-distance relief under Rule 18.2b, adding one penalty stroke and playing from where the previous stroke was made; the hole then continues under match-play scoring.