If you’ve spent any time on a golf course, you’ve seen it happen: a player walks up to their ball on the green, reaches into their pocket, and places a small coin or colorful disc down right behind it. This isn't just a quirky habit or a superstition, it’s a fundamental part of playing the game correctly. This article will walk you through exactly why golfers use ball markers, how to do it properly according to the rules, and the unwritten etiquette that goes along with it.
At its core, placing a marker down is all about the putting green. The green is where the most delicate shots of the game are played, and a player's golf ball can be both a physical and mental obstacle for their playing partners.
Here’s the main reason for marking your ball:
Think of it as the ultimate team-player move on the course. While golf is an individual sport, you’re sharing the green with others. Marking your ball is the universal signal that you’re aware of others and are playing the game the right way.
Don't just take my word for it, the practice of marking is baked directly into the Rules of Golf. Understanding the basics of Rule 15.3 ("Marking, Lifting and Cleaning Ball") is what separates a casual golfer from a player who takes the game seriously.
The rules state that before you lift your ball on the green, you must mark its spot. Here is what is considered a proper mark:
Failure to mark your ball before lifting it results in a one-stroke penalty. Forgetting to replace your ball and putting from where your marker is also, you guessed it, a penalty. Rules might sound rigid, but they exist to create a fair and consistent experience for every single golfer.
Seeing a Tour pro do it on TV one time isn't the same as doing it yourself under pressure. The process is simple, but doing it consistently and without thinking is the mark of an experienced player. Here’s a simple routine to follow every time.
Once it's established that it won't be your turn to putt for a moment, walk up to your ball. Reach into your pocket for your preferred marker. The most common and accepted practice is to place the marker flat on the ground directly behind the ball, in line with the hole.
With the marker securely in place, you can now pick up your golf ball. This is the perfect time to give it a quick wipe with your towel. Removing any specks of dirt or mud will make a noticeable difference in how consistently your ball rolls toward the hole.
With your ball marked, you can now stand aside and give your playing partner a clear view and path to the hole. Pay attention to their line and stand in a spot where you won't be a distraction.
When it is your turn to putt, walk back to your marker. Place your golf ball on the green directly in front of your marker, returning it to its original spot. Only after the ball is back in its position should you pick up your ball marker. Don’t make the common mistake of picking up the marker first, as you then have to guess where the ball was.
Getting into this rhythm - mark behind, pick up, clean, wait, replace in front, remove marker - makes the whole process seamless and second nature.
Sometimes, even your small, flat ball marker can be a distraction if it’s on or very near another player’s putting line. If you notice this, or if a player asks you to move your marker, etiquette (and the rules) dictates you do so.
This is where things can get a bit tricky for new players, but there's a standard method:
A good habit is to say something helpful as a reminder, like, "Okay John, my marker is back in its spot," once you've replaced it. This helps everyone, including yourself, remember that the crucial step has been completed.
While a simple coin from your pocket is the timeless classic, golfers use a wide variety of objects. The only real requirement is that it's an artificial object that won't get blown away easily.
As a coach, I see a few common mistakes here. Avoid using:
To sum it up, golfers put a coin or marker down on the green to follow the rules, show etiquette to their playing partners, and give themselves the chance to clean their ball. It's a small action, but one that is fundamental to the integrity and flow of the game, letting everyone share the course effectively.
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