Rule 4 - Lost Balls and the Search
A ball is only lost if you truly did not see where it went, which the Crew has determined almost never happens. Rule 4 defines the search, the Miracle Find, and the ball that is, upon reflection, probably yours.
The Rule (reproduced verbatim from the Dad Golf Handbook)
Purpose of Rule: defines when a ball is lost, which is almost never.
4.1 A ball is not lost if you saw roughly where it went. Roughly.
4.1a "Roughly" is defined as the same zip code.
4.2 The search period for a lost ball is one (1) beer, measured from first sip to last, consumed at a walking pace.
4.2a If another player finds YOUR ball while you have already dropped another one, the found ball never existed. Do not speak of it.
4.3 - The Miracle Find. A ball discovered sitting up perfectly in the fairway when everyone clearly saw it enter the trees is called a Miracle and shall be played without questions, but with extensive eyebrow raising.
4.4 A ball found in the woods that is the same brand but a different number is, upon reflection, probably yours. Memory is unreliable. Play it.
4.5 Balls donated to water are gone. Do not wade. We have lost more dignity in ponds than balls. See Rule 8.
PENALTY FOR AN EXCESSIVE SEARCH: the group walks on, your ball is declared legally dead, and its funeral is held in the group chat.
Official Ruling 4.3/1: Ty's tee shot entered the pines at a descending angle witnessed by three players and a beverage cart attendant, yet his ball was found 40 yards ahead in the short grass. The Committee accepts the Miracle under 4.3 and notes only that Ty's pocket had a suspicious ball-shaped emptiness afterward. No further questions. Many further looks.
Search for one beer, accept your Miracles quietly, and let the water balls rest. We have lost more dignity in ponds than balls.