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Do you have to move your ball marker?

Author

Daniel Moore

Published Jan 19, 2026

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.

Can you putt with your ball marker still in place?

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.

Do you have to move your ball marker on green?

Rule 13.1d – When Ball or Ball-Marker Moves on Putting Green

If you accidentally cause your ball or ball-marker to move on the putting green, there is no penalty. The player must replace the ball on its original spot or place a ball-marker down to mark that original spot.

What are the rules for marking your golf ball?

You can mark, lift and clean a ball on the green, but it's a violation to do so when another ball is in motion, as your ball might influence the outcome of that stroke. You can also mark and clean your ball in some instances when it's off the green: cleaning it, for example, just to the point where you can identify it.

Where do you keep your golf ball marker?

Some golfers like to keep markers in their pockets, while others prefer to attach them to something, such as a hat or golf glove. In the latter case, a magnetic marker is ideal. It can be attached to a hat clip, a divot-replacement tool or a belt buckle.

27 related questions found

When would you use a ball marker?

A golf ball marker is a rather small object used to mark the position of a golf ball on the green. This is done in order to allow other players to putt, enabling you to pick up your own ball. Without a marker, your ball would probably obstruct the line of other players.

Do golfers use ball markers?

Pro golfers use ball markers whenever they have to lift the ball from the putting green. They do this to mark the position of the golf ball—or to replace it.

How do you move a golf ball marker?

If a golfer marks his ball and it is in the line, stance or stroke of another golfer who is putting, the marker may be moved. The marker may be placed one or more club lengths to either side, but not closer to the hole.

Do you have to pick up your ball marker before putting?

Ball markers should only be placed or picked up by a player or a person whom the player designates to touch the mark. If any player picks up a ball mark without putting down a ball because he believes the hole to have been decided, the player incurs a one-stroke penalty.

What happens if a golf ball hits a marker?

Rules of Golf explained: Our expert says…

There is an exception to Rule 11.1b that says when a ball in motion hits a ball marker on the putting green, the stroke counts and the ball must be played as it lies. In this case, it's in the hole so write the score down and move on.

What happens if your ball marker moves?

Ball Moved or Deflected

A. There is no penalty for accidentally causing your ball-marker to move. If this happens, you must either replace the ball-maker or replace your ball on its original spot before making your next stroke (see Rule 13.1d(1)).

What does Tiger Woods use as a ball marker?

Some 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.

Can you use your putter to mark your 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.

What is Rule 5.3 A in golf?

March 9, 2021. Rule 5.3a states: The player must start at (and not before) his or her starting time: This means that the players must be ready to play at the starting time and starting point set by the Committee.

What is the penalty for a lost ball?

If a player hits a ball out of bounds or loses a ball, the general rules still require the player to return to the spot of the previous stroke and take a one-stroke penalty - a standard stroke-and-distance scenario.

Is it a penalty to take a divot on the green?

The explanation

That said, it will come as no surprise to anyone who has spent any time playing golf that it's a sport rife with unspoken “shoulds” and “should nots,” in addition to the official rules. You won't incur an official penalty if you chip off the green in a tournament.

Can a golfer touch the green?

There is no longer a penalty for merely touching the line of play on the putting green (the term “line of play” applies everywhere on the course including the putting green, and the term “line of putt” is no longer used).

Is marking golf ball Illegal?

There are no regulations to limit what or how many markings can be applied to the ball by the player, provided its original markings can be discerned.”

What is the penalty for lifting your ball without marking it?

If you lift your ball without marking its spot, mark its spot in a wrong way or make a stroke with a ball-marker left in place, you get one penalty stroke. When you lift your ball to take relief under a Rule, you are not required to mark the spot.

Why do golfers mark their balls?

Marking your golf ball is a tool to ensure that you can identify your golf ball and avoid penalty strokes. It can make your alignment on the tee, fairway (when placing is allowed), and on the green much simpler.

What do most pros use for ball markers?

Tees are most often used when a golfer is lifting a ball somewhere on the golf course other than the putting green (for example, when conducting a drop for relief). On the putting green, the vast majority of golfers use "a coin (or) an object made to be a ball marker," as the rulebook definition puts it.

Can you have two putters in your golf bag?

According to the USGA and R&A rules, you can have two putters in your bag when playing a professional round of golf provided the total number doesn't exceed 14.

Can you mark your ball before everyone is on the green?

Under Rule 15.3, a ball at rest on the putting green only must be marked and lifted if it is interfering with play or helping another player; otherwise, there is no requirement to do so.

Can you clean your ball when taking relief?

Before a golfer is about to take relief, a golfer can clean the ball. This includes any situation where you are taking relief: from a hazard, from an unplayable lie, from a plugged lie. Before a golfer starts a new hole, a golfer can clean the ball.

What ball does Bryson DeChambeau?

Bryson DeChambeau is set to use a new prototype Bridgestone golf ball for The Match against Brooks Koepka today at The Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas.