Walking onto a green and seeing a pair of identical Titleist Pro V1s resting a few feet apart can cause a moment of panic. Which one is yours? This is where a small, simple tool becomes a golfer's best friend: the ball marker. In this guide, we'll walk through what golfers use to mark their ball, the rules you need to know, and the best practices that will make you look like a seasoned player, even if you’re just starting out.
Marking your ball isn't just a tradition, it's a fundamental part of playing golf correctly for two main reasons: identifying your ball and following the rules on the green. Forgetting to mark your ball can lead to unnecessary penalties and slow down play for everyone in your group.
The most basic reason for marking is to differentiate your ball from others. According to Rule 6.3a, you must play your own ball throughout the round. Hitting a Calloway when you’re playing a Titleist by mistake results in a two-stroke penalty in stroke play or loss of hole in match play. While many golfers put unique sharpie marks on their ball (like three dots in a triangle or a straight-line for alignment), this distinctive marking is useless if your ball lands right next to an identical one with the same logo showing. The physical marker on the green confirms its position so you can lift it and be 100% certain before you make your next stroke.
Once your ball is on the putting green, you have the right to lift and clean it (Rule 13.1b). Pick it up, wipe away any mud or grass, and replace it exactly where it was. This is important because a clean ball rolls truer and more predictably. However, you must mark its spot before you lift it. You also need to mark your ball if it's in a fellow player's line of putt. Lifting your ball allows them a clear path to the hole, which is a major part of golf etiquette. Without a marker, you’d have to guess where your ball was, and that’s not allowed.
The Rules of Golf can feel complicated, but the guidelines for marking your ball are pretty straightforward. Getting this simple procedure right shows you know the game.
Forgetting to mark before lifting, or placing the marker incorrectly (like in front of the ball and then picking the ball up), can result in a one-stroke penalty. So, make a habit of it: marker down first, then ball up.
Sometimes your ball marker itself can interfere with another player's putting line. In this situation, you are allowed to temporarily move it.
There is no "official" ball marker. Players use a wide variety of items that reflect their personality, style, and practicality. Here are some of the most common types you’ll see on the course.
This is the most time-honored option. Flat, discs, often made of metal or plastic, that sit low on the green and rarely interfere with other putts. Many golfers simply use a small coin from their pocket, like a penny or a dime. They are stable, unobtrusive, and get the job done. Many prestigious golf courses sell custom flat markers in their pro shops, so collecting them can be a fun way to remember the courses you’ve played.
Pro Tip: Smaller coins are generally preferred, especially in serious or competitive rounds, as larger coins like quarters can be a distraction if they are near another player's line.
For convenience, nothing beats a magnetic hat clip. This system involves a base magnet that clips onto the visor of your hat and a small, metallic ball marker that sticks to it. Your marker is always within reach - just slide it off the magnet, use it, and pop it back on when you're done. The only downside is that you can sometimes knock it off by accident, so it pays to have a spare marker in your pocket just in case.
Heavier, larger, and often more colorful, poker chip-style markers have become very popular. They are easy to see from a distance and feel substantial in your hand. Many golfers love them for their ability to be customized with logos, names, or funny sayings. While they are great for casual rounds, their size can sometimes be an issue. If you use one, always be considerate and ask your playing partners if it distracts them. Be prepared to switch to a temporary flat coin if it's on their line.
Many "_divot tools_" come with a small, magnetic ball marker attached. This combo tool is excellent for efficiency. You can walk onto the green, fix your ball mark, and mark your ball with a single tool from your pocket. It consolidates your gear and simplifies your on-green routine.
Because the rules state you can use any "artificial object," golfers get creative. Unique foreign coins, special-occasion tokens, engraved discs, and even small, custom-made items can serve as markers. This is a great way to show a little personality on the course.
A ball marker identifies your ball's position, but a permanent mark on the ball itself identifies the ball as yours. Combining a good marker with a a well-marked ball is a perfect system.
Using a Sharpie to draw on your ball is not just for identification, it's also a powerful performance aid, especially for putting.
From simple pennies to colorful poker chips, ball markers are an essential a piece of golf equipment. The act of properly marking your ball is about more than just remembering where your ball was, it’s about respecting the rules, showing consideration for your playing partners, and taking an active role in playing the game the right way.
Playing smarter, more confident golf comes from paying attention to the details on the course. While a marker helps on the green, navigating the uncertainties of a tough lie is a completely different challenge. We built Caddie AI to be your personal golf expert for those moments. When your ball lands in a tricky spot - like in a bunker with a high lip or deep in the rough - you can snap a photo, and our AI coach will analyze the situation and suggest a simple, effective strategy. It removes the stress and a guesswork, helping you make the smart play every time.
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The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
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