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What is playing with a marker in golf?

Author

Emily Ross

Published Jan 13, 2026

Updated on 01/03/19. In golf, the "marker" is someone who is tasked with recording your scores. Think of it this way: The marker is the one marking down your scores on the scorecard. Markers, in this sense, are probably most visible to recreational golfers when we are watching the pros play on TV.

Who can act as a marker in golf?

The marker may be another player, but not your partner. In stroke play, the person responsible for entering your score on your scorecard and for certifying that scorecard. The marker may be another player, but not your partner. 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee.

What happens if you hit golf marker?

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.

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.

What happens if your putt hits a ball 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.

24 related questions found

Can you putt with your marker still down?

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.

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 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.

Why do golfers put a line on their ball?

Having extra lines will help you see the roll of the ball easier and identify if you're pulling or pushing it with your putter. This might be too much for some players but it's a good way to improve your putting on the practice green too. Sharpie is included with this alignment tool but never hurts to have extra.

What do golfers put down on the green?

The position of a ball to be lifted should be marked by placing a ball-marker, a small coin or another similar object immediately behind the ball. If the ball-marker interferes with the play, stance or stroke of another player, it should be placed one or more clubhead-lengths to one side.

How does a golf ball marker work?

This ball marker is a small, flat object used to mark the position of a golf ball when the ball is lifted on the putting green. 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 is a non competing marker?

Players who go out alone in the weekend rounds of the Masters have the option of playing with a non-competing marker -- that is, a person who plays alongside you but whose score doesn't count in any way.

Where do you put the ball marker in golf?

Place a ball-marker. right behind or right next to your ball, or. Hold a club on the ground right behind or right next to your ball.

Can you change golf balls to putt?

You can also substitute a different ball any time you are taking relief, including both free and penalty relief. Unless the one-ball Local Rule is in effect, the substituted ball could be any brand. On the putting green however, when you mark and lift your ball, you must replace that same ball to finish out the hole.

Should you look at the hole when putting?

On breaking putts, don't look at the hole. Look at the point where the putt will break off.

Should you leave the pin in when putting?

Dave Pelz, a physics graduate long regarded as a putting guru for professional and amateur players, recommended keeping the pin in the hole all the time, based on a loss of energy when the ball hits it.

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.

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 use anything as a ball marker?

Ball-markers must be artificial, such as a tee, coin, the toe of your putter, or other small piece of equipment. A natural object like a leaf or twig may not be used as a ball-marker. The ball-marker must be placed next to the ball, which includes behind, in front, or left and right of the ball.

How do golfers mark their ball overnight?

Marking Rules and Etiquette

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.

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 you have to mark your golf ball 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.

Who is the marker at Augusta?

He has become something of a social media sensation in recent years during the weekend of the Masters, but who exactly is Jeff Knox? He's the Augusta marker that sends social media wild seemingly every single year come the weekend of the Masters.

Who plays in the Masters?

The Masters has the smallest field of the major championships, with 90–100 players. Unlike other majors, there are no alternates or qualifying tournaments. It is an invitational event, with invitations largely issued on an automatic basis to players who meet published criteria.

What is the first basic etiquette rule in golf?

Whatever your groups' unique rules are, make them clear and make sure everyone understands before you begin. There are several golf etiquette practices that are universal: Lowest score on the previous hole tees off first. Player furthest from the hole goes first.