If You Refuse a Ball Mark... 2 Penalty Strokes

Rule 15.3b: Automatic Mark for Interference with Play
Etiquette for Moving to a New Spot with a Large-Size Marker
Encouraging "Prepared Golf" Principle over "One-Ball-First" Principle

Golf is a game played with companions. If play styles and pace match, you can enjoy the round enthusiastically. However, if someone behaves oddly, playing becomes difficult. This is especially true when there are disagreements related to golf rules. A ball had landed on the fringe near the green, and the player was about to play with a putter, but the companion's ball was blocking the way. When asked to mark the ball, trouble arose.

If it interferes with your partner's play, you must mark unconditionally.

The companion refused, saying, "You cannot mark the ball anywhere other than on the green." Despite the request to play first, the companion shook their head again. They insisted, "The ball farther from the hole must be played first." An awkward atmosphere ensued, and perhaps due to feeling upset, a satisfactory score was not achieved.

This is a case where the companion misunderstood the rules. Golf Rule 15.3b applies here. If a ball is interfering with play, it may be lifted anywhere on the course. When asked to mark the ball, the playing partner must comply. If a large marker is likely to interfere, the player may request it to be moved.

Generally, golf follows the principle of ‘won-guseonta (遠球先打)’, meaning the ball farther from the hole is played first. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA), which govern golf rules, recommend ‘ready golf.’ When safety is ensured, shots may be played regardless of order. For faster play, the golfer who is ready for the next shot may play first.

On the green, rules regarding marking are applied more strictly. If a companion’s ball is on the putting line or near the hole, the player requests the ball marker to be moved outside the putting path. If the ball marker is sticking out, the player asks for it to be pressed down. Refusal to move the marker results in a two-stroke penalty. Golf is a sport of etiquette. If the ball marker interferes with a companion, it is moved to a new spot at least a putter head’s length away. Sometimes, it is measured by hand as about a span. After the companion’s stroke is completed, the ball marker is returned to its original position. Forgetting this and playing results in a two-stroke penalty for playing out of turn.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.