Many golfers think marking your ball is illegal, yet that’s not true. We know it’s illegal to use alignment sticks on the course, so why is it legal to use alignment lines on your golf ball?
I’ll cover the rules about what you should and shouldn’t do on your golf ball. Plus, I’ll share the etiquette of marking the spot of your ball on the green.
I’ve always used a leaf or blemish on the green to create an accurate target line to reference. But for some reason, players have started misinterpreting the rule that allows players to uniquely mark their ball in a way that assists with their alignment routine.
Here’s what you need to know about how to avoid illegal golf ball marking.
Contents
Are There Illegal Golf Ball Markings?
No, you can mark anything you want on your golf ball, and the rules state that you should mark your ball to identify it easily. Here are the most common golf ball markings:
- Alignment Line: Used to help guide the club head along the chosen target line.
- Initials, Symbols, Dots: Used to differentiate your ball from playing competitors.
Here is where the rules of golf are unclear. In sections Rule 6-5 and Rule 12-2, it states you actually need to mark the cover of your balls:
The responsibility for playing the proper ball rests with the player. Each player should put an identification mark on his ball.
But if we check rule Rule 10-2b it relates to marking your ball on the green:
The player or caddie must not set an object down anywhere on or off the putting green to show the line of play.
The rules state that you should mark your ball for identification purposes. There should be no alternative benefit to marking a golf ball, and you should not add any other objects to your ball.
Why Are Alignment Lines Allowed?
Alignment lines are allowed on golf balls because they are not considered material objects by the governing bodies of golf. The rules of golf define an object as something that can be physically sensed, and ink from a pen does not fit this definition.
There’s also a reluctance to frequently rewrite the rules, which makes officials hesitant to change them just to address ink markings.
Moreover, rules enforcement is lax concerning this issue, as officials often overlook it. The spirit of the game focuses on enjoyment and sportsmanship, not on exploiting technicalities. Thus, using factory-made markings for alignment is accepted, avoiding any need for personal modifications.
How To Mark A Golf Ball Correctly
Marking your golf ball with a marker should be done to identify your own ball from your playing partners. This should be done in all formats, including stroke and match.
Playing the wrong ball can easily be avoided, but the result of such action is a one-stroke penalty for each infraction. This means you will be penalized each time you hit the wrong ball.
I mark mine with a large “C” on the front of the ball so I don’t see it when I place it down on the green or teeing area. My focus is on where my putter face is aligned, and I choose a distinguishable spot on the green to create an imaginary target line.
Currently, the USGA allows players to draw a reference point on their ball while avoiding any serious breach of any general penalty. So, if you would like to draw an alignment line on your ball, feel free to do so as of the writing of this article.
Ball Marking Etiquette On The Green
Using a coin or other object to mark the location of your ball for cleaning purposes is clearly outlined in Rule 14.
Before lifting your ball under a Rule requiring it to be replaced on its original spot, you must mark the spot, which means to place a ball-marker right behind or right next to your ball, or hold a club on the ground right behind or right next to your ball.
Artificial objects can be used, but a natural object like a twig may also be used so long as the location is accurately marked and the ball is replaced in the same spot for the next stroke.
You may have seen ball markers with a liquid leveler on them to help identify the break in the green; these are illegal as they constitute an object that can help the player establish an intended target line. Tournament officials will classify these as an alignment device and as a breach of this rule mentioned above, Rule 10-2b.
FAQ
Is There A Penalty For Illegal Golf Ball Marking?
No, there is no penalty for marking your golf ball as long as you’re not altering the integrity of the ball itself. You can draw anything on your ball without infringing on any equipment rules. Marking your ball on the green is much more clear, and you must follow the procedure before lifting and cleaning your ball.
Can I Use A Tee To Mark My Ball On The Green?
Yes, you can use a tee to mark your ball on the green so long as you replace your original ball in the exact location.
Can You Mark Someone Else’s Ball In Golf?
Yes, you can mark someone else’s ball both with markings and if you want to lift a ball that is on the green. If you want to mark a competitor’s ball, which is on the green and on your intended target line, it’s customary to ask permission first before placing your small coin.
Can You Put A Marker In Front Of Your Golf Ball?
Yes, you can mark your ball by placing a marker in front of your ball. However, this is very unpopular as you don’t want to affect the line of your putt for the next stroke. You also want to ensure you replace the ball behind the marker because marking it in front of the marker will be illegal.
Clint is PGA-certified and was a Head Teaching Professional at one of Toronto's busiest golf academies. He was also featured on Canada's National Golf TV program, "Score Golf Canada," twice. He graduated with a degree in Golf Management from the College of the Desert in California and studied under Callaway's co-founder, Tony Manzoni. He has a handicap index of 6.2 and spends the winters near Oaxaca, Mexico, where he plays twice a month at the Club de Golf Vista Hermosa. He's written over 100 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. You can connect with Clint at LinkedIn, FB, his website, or Clintcpga@gmail.com.
