
What are the rules for marking a golf ball?
- Placing a ball on the spot where the ball dropped the second time first touched the ground.
- If the placed ball does not stay at rest on that spot, you must place a ball on that spot a second time.
- If the ball placed a second time also does not stay on that spot, you must place a ball on the nearest spot where the ball will stay at rest, ...
What is the maximum size of a golf ball?
- Golf Ball Diameter – Not Less Than 1.68 Inches
- Golf Ball Mass – Not More Than 1.620 oz
- There are also specific restrictions on velocity, symmetry, and distance
How to use a ball marker in golf?
Best Marking Tool For Golf Balls
- Softspikes BLM8006. Softspikes BLM8006 is a low-cost tool can help you align putts much easier and includes a sharpie. ...
- Line-M-Up Pro Precision Golf Ball Alignment. ...
- Visualize Tri-Line Golf Alignment Kit. ...
- Technasonic Check-Go Pro Sweet Spot Electronic Golf Ball Liner. ...
- Personalized Golf Ball Stamp. ...
- Tin Cup Marker Alignment Tool. ...
How do you mark your golf ball?
Swing Evaluation for GOLF.com Readers!
- Put a dot on every side of the ball The first step is to treat your golf ball like it’s a dice. ...
- Down and left towards the tee But when you’re on the tee, Elliot suggests a great idea: place a dot so it’s located down slightly towards the ground and ...
- Keep your eyes locked on the ball

What is a legal ball marker?
This rule states that a ball must be marked before it is lifted. The position of a ball to be lifted should be marked by placing a "ball marker, a small coin or other similar object" immediately behind the ball.
What is the diameter of a golf ball marker?
PREMIUM GOLF BALL MARKER These markers are approximately 1/8th of an inch thick and 43mm in diameter.
What do PGA pros use for ball markers?
A player may mark her ball by placing a ball marker or a small coin, such as a dime, right behind where the ball lies on the green.
Are alignment ball markers legal?
Generally, the governing bodies have determined that objects classified as alignment devices, which include certain ball-markers, may not be used by the player in a specific manner because such devices artificially eliminate or reduce a skill or judgment that is essential to the game.
What ball marker does Tiger Woods use?
Milwaukee Inkzall markerSome golfers will even mark their balls with a ring or a line to help them line up their ball or assist with their aim. Many professional golfers even have a favorite marker. Tiger Woods notoriously uses a Milwaukee Inkzall marker.
What can you use for golf ball markers?
The ball marker is placed directly behind the golf ball before the ball is lifted. The ball is then replaced directly in front of the ball marker, on its original spot. What should be used as a ball marker? Ideally you should use a small, flat object such as a coin.
What size should a ball marker be?
must be: Less than one inch in height. Less than two inches in any horizontal direction. Must not measure or gauge slope, green speed, or other conditions.
Can you putt with your ball marker on green?
Here's a fun fact. Under the current Rules of Golf, you are allowed to leave the ball marker in position when you putt, as long as the ball marker does not act as an alignment tool such as the two pictured above. Starting in 2019, you will not be allowed to leave the ball marker in place while putting at any time.
Can you mark someone else's ball in golf?
You, your partner or someone designated by you can do this. Although it's not mandatory, the marker should be a coin, ball marker or similar object, and it should be placed immediately behind the ball's position. In other words, marking with a pebble is not a rules violation, but it's not recommended.
Is it legal to draw a line on your golf ball?
Yes, drawing an arrow/line on your golf ball is 100% legal and used by some of the best golfers in the world. Players across the world draw lines, add their initials, and other signature markings to their golf balls.
Can I use my putter to mark my ball?
Generally, line up your marker with a fixed object in the distance such as a tree or sign at a right angle to the player's line of putt. Then place the head of your putter down on the ground to the side of your marker and move the coin over one or, if needed, two putter head lengths to the side.
Can you stick a tee in the green to mark your ball?
Officially, no. Under the Rules of Golf, any number of artificial objects — a coin, the toe of your putter, the tab of a beer can — may be used to mark your ball. The key word being “artificial.” Using a natural object, such as a leaf or a twig, is a violation.
What is the note to Rule 20 – 1?
The Note to Rule 20 – 1 (Lifting and Marking) states that “the position of a ball to be lifted should be marked by placing a ball – marker, a small coin or other similar object immediately behind the ball.”.
Is it necessary to mark the position of the ball on the putting green?
As this practice may cause damage to the putting green, it is discouraged. However, under Rule 20 -1 it is necessary to physically mark the position of the ball. Reference to an existing mark on the ground does not constitute marking the position of the ball.
Can you use a poker chip as a ball marker?
My answer to player was no, you would not be penalized for using a poker chip as a marker.
How many inches are ball markers?
Ball-makers with alignment aids (lines, arrows, etc.) must be: Less than two inches in any horizontal direction . Must not measure or gauge slope, green speed, or other conditions. Any ball-marker that exceeds the above dimensions, and has alignment lines, is considered an “alignment device” and is not permitted.
What is the ball marker in soccer?
The ball-marker must be placed next to the ball, which includes behind, in front, or left and right of the ball. When replacing the ball the player must replace the ball by using their hand and setting the ball down.
What is the clarification for ball markers?
The Clarification released in January of 2020 addresses ball-markers that were designed to help with alignment. Most normal sized ball-markers with alignment lines are allowed; however, the Equipment Rules explain what is not allowed.
What do golfers put on their balls?
Many golfers have a special coin, a poker chip, a magnetic decorative coin, or something similar. Some golfers have reached out to me asking if their ball-marker is legal in the Rules of Golf.
Is a ball marker legal in golf?
Some golfers have reached out to me asking if their ball-marker is legal in the Rules of Golf. When the Rules of Golf were overhauled and released in January of 2019, the new Rules included a definition of a ball-marker and how it can be used. Then in January of 2020, the USGA released a Clarification that references the Equipment Rules ...
Where to place a ball marker in golf?
A player may mark her ball by placing a ball marker or a small coin, such as a dime, right behind where the ball lies on the green. The key phrase here is “right behind,” as it is not recommended to place the marker anywhere else, such as in front or to the side, to designate where the ball was, even though this is legal. Marking in front of the ball may alter the green in some way and is discouraged.
Why do you need a marker on a golf ball?
The marker must be placed behind the ball. It is necessary in golf to mark your ball once it is on the green in order to allow players further away to putt. If players did not mark their golf balls, then other players might hit the ball with their ball when they putt. Marking a golf ball on a green must be done properly ...
What happens if you drop a marker in golf?
There are golf rules that cover a host of ball-marking scenarios. If a player drops her marker on the golf ball and moves it, the penalty is one stroke. However, there is no penalty if a marker is accidentally knocked away by such forces as the wind, an opponent or even an animal. If a player believes that a hole has been won ...
What happens if you don't mark your golf ball?
If players did not mark their golf balls, then other players might hit the ball with their ball when they putt. Marking a golf ball on a green must be done properly and according to the rules of the game, or players can be subject to penalties.
Can you mark your own ball on the green?
A player may mark his own ball or have anyone that is authorized to do so, such as his caddy, mark the ball on the green. If the ball being marked is accidentally moved, no penalty is assessed. To move a marker, it should be placed one or more full club lengths to one side.
Can you move a marker in golf?
Moving a Marker. Since the ball marker is considered a movable obstruction by the rules of golf, it can be moved by a player without incurring a penalty. If a player requests that a ball marker that seems to be in the line of his putt be moved, it can be.
When were ball markers not allowed?
Prior to 1952, ball markers were not allowed. If the ball was in your line on the green and you were stymied, you had to putt around the obstacle or pop your ball over your opponent's ball. The modern rules governing ball markers are found in Rules 16, 20 and 22.
What is a bizarre ball marker?
A bizarre ball marker, such as the tip of your golf umbrella, could theoretically create a mental image that is so bothersome to an opposing player that he could ask you to switch to another type of marker.
What are the rules of golf?
The USGA ball marker rules, notes and decisions are designed to encourage players to treat each other with courtesy and respect, as are the other rules of the game.
What is golf etiquette?
Golf etiquette encourages you to mark your ball on the green. The rules of golf in North America are made and enforced by the United States Golf Association. In addition to the rules themselves, the USGA publishes both decisions and notes that aid golfers and golf officials in applying the rules in different situations.
What is the rule for a ball to be lifted?
Rule 20-1. This rule states that a ball must be marked before it is lifted. The position of a ball to be lifted should be marked by placing a "ball marker, a small coin or other similar object" immediately behind the ball. However, the language of the rule and the note does not require a certain type of ball marker.
Can you mark a golf ball with a 5 iron?
You could mark your ball with the tip of a golf umbrella, the shaft of your 5-iron or a tee and it would not violate the rules of the game unless the marker itself caused "mental interference.".
Can you putt down a ball marker?
Rule 16-1. The general rule forbids a player from touching the line of a putt, but it is permissible to press down a ball marker. Although the rules do not recommend it, it is even permissible to place a ball marker in front of your ball.
What is a ball marker?
Ball markers are a small, but critical element, of your golf gear. Jordan Spieth places a ball marker during the final round of the 148th Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club in 2019. Francois Nel/Getty Images.
What materials are used for golf ball markers?
All sorts of sports logos, animals (including college mascots), themes and phrases can be carved into the bronze, stainless steel, copper and nickel materials. They make great gifts if you know what interests your favorite golfer. These types of custom-made ball markers might cost a little more.
What are Blingo markers made of?
Numerous LPGA Tour players still use them. Blingo ball markers are made with Swarovski crystals. Courtesy photos.
What is the rule for marking a ball with a small object?
Rule 20-1 of the USGA Rule book guides the player to mark their ball with a small object anytime it might cause a physical or mental distraction to an opponent or playing partner.
Why do you have to mark your ball?
The rules call for you to mark your ball if it provides a mental or physical distraction to your playing partners or opponents. However, there are some major advantages to marking your ball every time you reach the green.
Who can mark a golf ball?
Who May Mark a Ball. Under the Rules of Golf, a ball may be marked by a player, his partner (such as in a best-ball match) or “another person authorized by the player.". The marked ball must then be replaced by the person who lifted the ball, the player, or the player’s partner. No matter who marks or replaces the ball, however, ...
What is the rule for ball marking?
Ball marking is referenced throughout the rules, but the most common points are covered under rules 20-1 and 20-3. Rule 20-1 states in part, “The position of a ball to be lifted should be marked by placing a ball-marker, a small coin or other similar object immediately behind the ball.”. While there's no penalty for using an object that's not ...
What happens if a player is unsure if a ball is his?
If a player is unsure if a ball is his, he may mark and lift the ball for examination. If a ball is cut or otherwise damaged, he may mark and lift it, examine the damage and replace the ball if it’s unfit for play. On the green, a player may mark and lift the ball if he wants to clean it. If play is suspended due to threatening weather, ...
What do you put on your golf ball when it's your turn?
You just grab whatever's handy -- such as a plastic marker, a coin, or even a tee -- mark and remove your ball, then put it back when it’s your turn. But the rules of game apply to both amateur and professional golfers, and cover situations that involve something as simple as a ball marker.
Is the Rules of Golf a case law?
Just as a nation’s laws may be interpreted by courts, the Rules of Golf also has its equivalent to case law, which the USGA terms “Decisions.”. For example, in the 2010 Dubai World Championship (not a PGA event, but played under the standard Rules of Golf), Ian Poulter marked his ball on the green of the second playoff hole, picked it up, ...
Who uses a poker chip as a ball marker?
Spain's Alvaro Quiros shows off the poker chip he uses as his ball marker. For a casual, non-competitive golfer, marking your ball may be just a simple courtesy to a player who’s farther from the hole, whether on the green or nearby. You just grab whatever's handy -- such as a plastic marker, a coin, or even a tee -- mark and remove your ball, ...
Can you use a disc to mark a golf ball?
While there's no penalty for using an object that's not similar to a plastic ball-marker or a small coin, you'll rarely -- if ever -- see a PGA player use anything other than a small, flat disc to mark a ball.
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Product description
Large 1 1/2" diameter photo golf ball marker customized with your photo. Shiny black or silver golf ball marker that magnetically attach to golf accessories with magnets.
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