To mark a golf ball on the green, place a ball-marker, such as a coin or flat marker, right behind or right next to the ball, then lift the ball. You may clean it while it is lifted. Before your next stroke, put the ball back on exactly the same spot and then pick up the marker. If your marker sits on another player’s line, move it one or more clubhead lengths to the side using a fixed reference point, and remember to move it back before you putt. Under Rule 14.1 of the Rules of Golf, lifting a ball that must be replaced without first marking its spot costs one penalty stroke, so marking correctly is a habit worth building from your first round.
Why golfers mark their ball on the green
Marking your ball on the putting green serves several purposes. It lets you clean the ball, which matters because mud or grass on the ball can change how it rolls. It clears the way for other players whose putts might hit your ball, and it lets you realign the ball, for example by pointing a line on the ball toward your target. Marking also keeps play flowing, since players can putt in turn without worrying about interfering with each other.
What counts as a ball-marker
Under the Rules of Golf, a ball-marker is an artificial object used to mark the spot of a ball to be lifted, such as a tee, a coin, an object made to be a ball-marker or another small piece of equipment. Many golfers use flat, round markers because they sit flush with the green and are easy to see. You can also mark the spot by holding a club on the ground right behind or right next to the ball, though this is less common on the green.
| Marker type | Pros | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Coin | Always available, flat | Can be hard to spot on some greens |
| Flat plastic or metal marker | Designed for the job, visible, sits flat | Easy to lose if loose in a pocket |
| Magnetic hat clip marker | Stays on your cap or glove until needed | Some are thicker than flat markers |
| Divot tool with attached marker | Two tools in one | Remember to separate them |
| Tee | Permitted and always in your pocket | Less visible and can be distracting to others |
How to mark your ball step by step
- Walk to your ball without stepping on other players’ lines of putt.
- Place the marker directly behind or right beside the ball, touching or very close to it.
- Lift the ball carefully without moving the marker.
- Clean the ball if you wish; on the putting green you may always clean it.
- Step away from the hole and stay off other players’ lines while they putt.
- Replace the ball on its original spot when it is your turn, in front of or beside the marker.
- Pick up the marker only after the ball is back in place.
Most golfers place the marker behind the ball, on the side away from the hole. This makes it easier to replace the ball accurately and avoids leaving the marker in the way.
Moving your marker off another player’s line
If your marker is on or near someone else’s line of putt, they may ask you to move it. The usual method is to use your putter head as a measure.
- Pick a reference point in the distance, such as a tree or building, to keep your direction consistent.
- Place your putter head next to the marker, lined up with the reference point.
- Move the marker to the other end of the putter head, and repeat if they need more room.
- Remember how many lengths you moved.
- Reverse the process before your putt, using the same reference point and number of lengths.
- Replace the ball on its original spot, then remove the marker.
Forgetting to move the marker back is one of the most common mistakes on the green. If you putt from the wrong spot, it counts as playing from a wrong place, which is a two-stroke penalty in stroke play and loss of the hole in match play under Rule 14.7.
The rules for marking on the green
| Situation | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Lifting a ball on the green without marking its spot | One penalty stroke; the ball must be replaced |
| Accidentally moving your ball or marker on the green | No penalty; replace it |
| Ball moves after you replaced it, for example by wind | Replace it on its original spot |
| Ball moves by natural forces before you lifted it | Play it from its new spot |
| Putting from the wrong spot after forgetting to move a marker back | Two-stroke penalty in stroke play, loss of hole in match play |
| Repairing damage on the green, including spike marks | Allowed under Rule 13.1c |
Rules note: these summaries follow Rules 13.1, 14.1, 14.2 and 14.7 of the Rules of Golf published by the R&A and USGA. The wording is simplified, so consult the current official Rules or your committee for exact procedures.
Using an alignment line when you replace the ball
Many golfers draw a line on their ball and use it to aim putts. When you replace the ball on the green, you can rotate it so the line points along your intended starting line. This is allowed as long as you replace the ball on its original spot. Some golfers find the line helps their confidence, while others find it distracting, so try both and see what works for you.
Marking etiquette
Mark your ball promptly when you reach the green, especially if it lies near someone else’s line. Avoid walking on the lines of other players, and stand still and quiet while they putt. Use a marker that is flat and not overly large, so it does not distract others or affect their putts. If a playing partner asks you to move your marker, do so politely using the putter-head method. Finally, pick up your marker as soon as you replace your ball so it does not get left behind.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Lifting the ball before marking it. This costs one penalty stroke.
- Forgetting to move the marker back. Putting from the wrong place brings a penalty.
- Placing the marker too far from the ball. Put it right behind or beside the ball.
- Replacing the ball in front of the wrong side of the marker. Return it to exactly where it was.
- Leaving your marker on the green. Pick it up after replacing the ball.
- Walking on other players’ lines while marking or replacing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the penalty for not marking your ball on the green?
Lifting a ball on the green without marking its spot costs one penalty stroke, and the ball must be replaced.
Can you use a coin to mark your golf ball?
Yes. A coin is a common and permitted ball-marker.
How do you move your ball marker for another player?
Use your putter head and a fixed reference point to move it one or more head lengths, then reverse the process before you putt.
