Golf Rules... 'Knowledge Is Power' ⑥ Usable Ball Markers

Ball marker height 1 inch, width under 2 inches
Artificial objects, small stones, and leaves are not allowed

Golf has no referees. It is a "gentleman's sport" where golfers play by following the rules themselves. The golf rules are "assistants" created to help with play. If well understood and properly used, they can greatly aid in score management. These are golf rules that weekend golfers must know.

Amateur golfers sometimes forget one thing when they play a round: the ball marker. It is a tool used to mark the original spot before picking up the ball. Without a small marker about the size of a coin, it can be inconvenient. Generally, when the ball lands on the green, the marker is placed behind the ball. Then, after cleaning the ball and aiming toward the hole cup, the ball is placed in front of the marker. Once all these steps are completed, the marker is removed and putting is done.

The marker should be no taller than 1 inch (2.54 cm) and no wider than 2 inches (5.08 cm). It must be an artificial object. The material can be plastic, metal, wood, or any other. If there is no marker, a coin or a short tee can also be used. Before the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) revised the golf rules in 2019, loose impediments such as leaves or differently colored grass blades could be used. However, this has changed. Small stones, fallen leaves, or twigs cannot be used as they are not artificial objects. Using them results in a one-stroke penalty.

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