by Frank Guastella | Playing By The Rules
Does Your Ball Marker Size Matter?
A current fad in golf is to mark one’s golf ball with a poker chip or a poker chip sized ball marker. This brought up an interesting question with regards to “size” or “type” of object used to mark one’s golf ball. The Note to Rule 20 – 1 (Lifting and Marking) states that “the position of a ball to be lifted should be marked by placing a ball – marker, a small coin or other similar object immediately behind the ball.” A player asked me if they would be penalized for using a poker chip as a ball marker because it did not seem to fit by size under the “small coin or other similar object” outlined in the Note. My answer to player was no, you would not be penalized for using a poker chip as a marker.
The provision in the Note to Rule 20 – 1 is a recommendation of best practice, but there is no penalty for failing to act in accordance with the Note. Examples of methods of marking the position of a ball that are not recommended, but are permissible are as follows:
*placing the toe of a club at the side of or behind, the ball;
*using a tee;
*using a loose impediment;
*scratching a line, provided the putting green is not tested (Rule 16 – 1d) and a line for putting is not indicated (Rule 8 – 2b). As this practice may cause damage to the putting green, it is discouraged.
However, under Rule 20 -1 it is necessary to physically mark the position of the ball. Reference to an existing mark on the ground does not constitute marking the position of the ball. For example, it is not permissible to mark the position with reference to a blemish on the putting green.
PGA Rules Official | PGA Master Professional
Frank Guastella has over 35 years of golf management experience focused on planning, marketing, operations and administration at leading golf facilities. Currently, Frank serves as a PGA Teaching Professional at St. Clair Golf Club in St. Clair, Michigan
Email: fguastella@franklin-golf.net
Playing By The Rules Archives
Mike was honored to be on Mark Immelman's On The Mark Podcast. Here are the podcast notes: Mike Fay With has over 25 years of golf teaching experience. Voted the Michigan PGA Teacher of the Year, Mike has quickly become one of the top golf coaches in the country. He...
Aiming is so elementary and part of a great pre-shot routine. This is also something that people struggle with. In this video, Mike shows how to aim properly and how to practice it. Make aiming automatic, something you do the same on every shot.With over 25 years...
What is a slice? Why does the ball go so far away from where we want it to go? In this video, Mike discusses why you slice the golf ball and how you can start to straighten out those way word golf shots. Please leave your comments below.With over 25 years of...
The center of your pelvis plays a big role in how good your short game is. In this video, Mike discusses how to get your pelvis in a better position to hit more solid golf shots around the green. Please leave your comments below. With over 25 years of teaching...
Pre shot routines are so important. In this video Mike discusses how a limited focus and picking a smaller target to hit a larger one can help you hit the golf ball straighter. Pleae leave your comments below. With over 25 years of teaching experience, it's easy to...
In this Virtual Coach session Mike shows how using a pen can help you control an open club face. Please leave your comments below!With over 25 years of teaching experience, it's easy to see why Mike has become a leader in the world of golf instruction. Everything from...
Never miss a new post, article, or video!
Subscribe to our newsletter Chip Shots!
by Frank Guastella | Playing By The Rules
The Rules of Golf state that the position of a ball must be marked before it is lifted under a Rule that requires it to be replaced (Rule 20 – 1 Lifting and Marking). The Note to Rule 20 – 1 states that “the position of a ball to be lifted should be marked by placing a ball-marker, a small coin or other similar object immediately behind the ball.” A question that I get on occasion is what happens if a player uses an object or something that is not similar to a ball-marker or small coin to mark his ball? Is the player then penalized?
The answer lies in the Decisions of Golf under Decision 20 – 1/16. The player is not penalized if he uses an object not similar to a ball-marker or small coin. The provision in the Note to Rule 20 – 1 is a recommendation of best practice, but there is no penalty for failing to act in accordance with the Note. The Decision goes on to state, “examples of methods of marking the position of a ball that are not recommended, but are permissible, are as follows:
· Placing the toe of a club at the side of, or behind, the ball;
· Using a tee;
· Using a loose impediment;
· Scratching a line, provided the putting green is not tested (Rule 16 – 1d) and a line for putting is not indicated (Rule 8 – 2b). As this practice may cause damage to the putting green, it is discouraged.
However, under Rule 20 – 1 it is necessary to physically mark the position of the ball. Reference to an existing mark on the ground does not constitute marking the position of a ball. For example, it is not permissible to mark the position with reference to a blemish on the putting green.
When moving a ball or ball-marker to the side to prevent it from interfering with another player’s stance or stroke, the player may measure from the side of the ball or ball marker. In order to accurately replace the ball on the spot from which it was lifted, the steps used to move the ball or ball-marker to the side should be reversed.”
If you have a question regarding the Rules of Golf please submit it to Mike Fay Golf or and we will answer it in this forum or via the #askthepro Twitter Show. Here’s hoping that you are “playing by the rules.”
Frank Guastella, PGA Rules Official Michigan Section PGA
Staff Writer, Mike Fay Golf
If you have a question for Frank here’s where you can contact him.
Email: fguastella@franklin-golf.net
To “follow” Frank on Twitter click here
To “like” Frank on Facebook click here
