Mine isn’t so much a golf ball marker as it is a disc. It’s big enough it could probably be seen from the International Space Station.
But there is a reason for such scale. Unlike most markers I’ve had, I have managed to avoid losing it. You see, size does matter.
I know you will have seen all sorts used as ball makers during your rounds. Priceless old coins seem to be a favourite and, yes, I have seen someone use a beer can.
Sentimentality, practicality, or just whatever you can get your hands on sometimes can be a determining factor when deciding what marks the spot of your ball.
Is it all legal, though? What do the rules of golf say and how do you avoid getting into trouble with your committee if you’re playing in a competition?
Golf ball marker rules
Why do we need a golf ball marker?
When you are lifting a ball under a Rule which requires it to be replaced on its original spot, Rule 14.1a says the “player must mark the spot”.
Here’s a surprise for you. You can hold a club on the ground “right behind or right next to the ball”. That counts as marking!
Nearly all of the time, though, you are going to place a ball marker there to do the job.
What is a golf ball marker?
It’s actually defined in the rules. Go to ‘B’, for ball-marker, and you’ll find it is “an artificial object when used to mark the spot of a ball to be lifted, such as a tee, a coin, an object made to be a ball-marker or another small piece of equipment”.
I get a lot of emails asking if a tee is OK, so get this sentence out the next time you’re getting a hard time and send them back on their way.
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The important bit, though, is the word “artificial”. You can’t pick up a stone, twig, or any other loose impediment to save you rooting around in your pocket for something suitable. You’ll get a one-stroke penalty if you do this.
I can really use anything artificial? Even a beer can?
The term is vague. But, yes, as far as the rule goes, it really can be anything as long as it’s small.
You could stick down that half finished bottle of lager you’ve bought at the halfway house and use that as a golf ball marker. It’s not very classy, but I’m pretty sure it’s not against the rules.
Take off a shoe if the mood takes you. Put down a glove. Use your hat (I think we’ve had enough examples now – Ed).
Well, you get the drift.
Here’s the really important bit. Make sure you replace the ball back on its original spot. If you don’t and make a stroke, it’s the general penalty (two strokes or loss of hole in match play) for playing from the wrong place.
Now, Rule 4.3a says players can’t use equipment to create a potential advantage by artificially eliminating or reducing the need for skill or judgement.
So those nifty markers with the spirit level that helps you to judge slope and direction? Forget about them. They’re out.
Got a question for our expert?
Despite the changes to the Rules of Golf in 2019 and 2023, there are still some that leave us scratching our heads. I’ll try to help by featuring the best of your queries in this column.
What’s the most unusual thing you have used as a golf ball marker? And what do you make of these golf marker rules? Let me know on X.
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