Losing a golf ball can be one of the most frustrating experiences on the course. It’s not just about the inconvenience; the rules surrounding a lost ball can feel particularly harsh.
According to the USGA and R&A, if a golfer can’t identify their ball within three minutes of searching, the ball is officially lost, a change from the previous five-minute rule in 2019.
This rule means golfers must take stroke-and-distance relief, adding a stroke to their score and forfeiting their distance.
Balls can vanish in rough, fescue, leaves, trees, or even soggy ground, often leaving players feeling penalized for what seems like a minor mistake.