How to Mark Golf Balls
The sport of golf demands that its players adhere to a strict set of rules. Golf is an age-old gentleman's game and, even today, players of all ages should respect the game's rules and traditions. One of these rules is marking your ball once it has reached the green. Doing so ensures that your ball is not an obstacle for other players, and gives you the opportunity to clean your ball and line it up for your putt.
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Instructions
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Choose a ball marker that you will use for the round. Common ball markers are plastic or metal circles with a small spike, often sold in pro shops and lettered with the name of the golf course. Many golf gloves have domed ball markers attached near the wristband that can be removed to mark your ball. A small coin, such as a penny or dime, can also serve as an adequate ball marker.
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Approach your ball once it has landed on the green and stopped rolling. You may only approach your ball to mark it after the other players in your group have also shot their balls onto the green. Ensure that as you approach your ball, you do not step in the line of any other player's ball. In other words, do not step directly between their ball and the hole. Doing so may cause a dip or indentation in the grass that could result in your opponent missing a put.
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Place your ball marker directly to the rear of your ball. Your marker can graze the ball but you cannot knock it forward. Press the marker firmly into the green.
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Remove the ball once the marker is in place. Walk to the edge of the green if another player is preparing to shoot.
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Wipe your golf ball with the towel on your bag if it is dirty. Wait until it is your turn to putt.
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Place the ball back on the green directly in front of the marker. If you use a line on your ball to help direct shots, align the ball in the direction you'd like.
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Remove the ball marker without disturbing your ball and take your shot.
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Tips & Warnings
If you knock the ball out of position before you have placed the marker, you must accept a one-stroke penalty.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Playing Golf image by Chad McDermott from Fotolia.com
