When a player's ball is lost, what is the most common penalty applied?

When a player's ball is lost in golf, the most common penalty is the stroke and distance penalty. This means that the player must take a stroke for the lost ball and then return to the spot of their previous stroke to play again. This rule emphasizes the importance of maintaining the pace of play and ensuring the game is fair, as a lost ball can significantly affect a player's ability to complete the hole effectively.

This penalty serves to reinforce the expectation that players should keep track of their golf balls while on the course. The stroke and distance penalty is the standard approach because it resets the player's position on the course, making it clear that the game continues from the location of the last successful stroke.

In contrast, a situation with no penalty would typically only occur in instances like a ball moved by natural elements, while a two-stroke penalty may apply for rule infractions but not specifically for a lost ball. The loss of hole penalty is specific to match play scenarios and doesn't apply to stroke play, making stroke and distance the standard penalty for a lost ball across most formats of play.