Lost ball or out of bounds
A ball is lost after three minutes of searching by you or your caddie. A ball is out of bounds only when all of it is outside the course boundary.
By Fore Alarm · Updated October 31, 2026
A ball is lost after three minutes of searching by you or your caddie. A ball is out of bounds only when all of it is outside the course boundary.
- Normally, add one penalty stroke and play again from where your previous stroke was made.
- A fairway drop for two penalty strokes is available only if the Committee has adopted the relevant alternative Local Rule.
A ball known or virtually certain to be in a penalty area follows Rule 17 instead.
Official R&A / USGA Rules · Rule 18.2 ↗
On-course example
A tee shot disappears beyond white stakes. Without an applicable alternative Local Rule, replay from the tee with a penalty stroke; the next stroke is your third.
Before you act
Identify the area of the course, check the relevant Local Rules, and establish your reference point before lifting or moving a ball. Ask the Committee or a referee when a competition ruling is unclear.
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