The fallen leaves on the course are increasing the frequency in which golfers will be searching for balls compared to other times of the year. We would like to remind all members that the time limit is 3 minutes to look for a ball, after which time the ball is deemed lost if not located. The time was reduced from 5 mins to 3 mins in the 2019 update to the rules of golf in order to assist with the pace of play.
When a group arrives at the area in which the ball is expected to be, and it is not obvious where it is, one member of the group should start a timer – using your phone would be one such way to do this.
If the ball is found after 3 minutes is up, the ball may not be played, and the golfer should continue with a provisional ball if one was played.
The pace of play will naturally be that little bit slower at the current time, however, 4 hours still remains the benchmark to complete an 18 hole round.
