Office worker K frequently plays golf rounds for business purposes. He sometimes meets his playing partners for the first time at the course. Recently, he felt uncomfortable throughout an entire round because of one partner's specific behavior. The partner placed his ball marker in front of the ball, not behind it, when marking before lifting the ball on the green. K wanted to point out the rule violation but held back because it was a business round.
Like K, many golfers believe that marking in front of the ball rather than behind it violates the rules, but this is a misconception. According to the Rules of Golf (14.1a), when marking the spot of a ball, the marker can be placed not only directly behind the ball but also beside it. Any direction around the ball is acceptable.
However, there is one critical point to keep in mind: when replacing the ball at its original spot. For example, if the marker was placed in front of the ball, the marker must remain in front of the ball when the ball is replaced. If the ball is replaced with the marker behind it instead, the ball has effectively moved forward, resulting in play from a wrong place. Likewise, if a marker was placed to the left of the ball but ends up to the right when the ball is replaced, it also constitutes play from a wrong place.
Although it is fine to place the marker anywhere directly next to the ball, the original spot can sometimes become confusing at the time of replacement. It is therefore wise to always mark at a consistent position.
When a ball marker is not immediately at hand, some golfers place the putter head on the ground next to the ball before lifting it. This practice is also recognized as marking.
Quick quiz: Which of the following is not a ball marker? ① a mobile phone ② another ball ③ a green repair tool ④ a pinecone. The answer is ④ a pinecone. By definition, only artificial objects qualify as ball markers. Using an improper ball marker results in a one-stroke penalty.
Some golfers putt without removing their ball marker. This also incurs a one-stroke penalty, since leaving the ball marker in place could provide some advantage.
Complex and confusing golf rules often lead to disputes among playing partners. This column provides friendly and easy-to-understand explanations of various situational rules so you can enjoy golf even more. Email inquiries are always welcome.
