Golf Glossary
Ball marker
In short
A ball marker is a small, flat object that golfers use to mark the position of their ball on the putting green. You place it right behind or next to the ball, lift and clean the ball and later replace it on the same spot. Under the Rules of Golf this is allowed on the green.
Ball marker in golf: meaning and purpose
A ball marker is a helper on the putting green. It shows where your ball lay after you have lifted it. That way you can clean the ball or remove it from a playing partner's line and then replace it exactly on the same spot.
Any small, flat object can serve as a ball marker. Metal discs, plastic discs and coins are common. Many golfers carry a magnetic model that attaches to the cap or glove. There are markers with a logo or pattern and some that are combined with a pitch repair tool. The Rules of Golf do not prescribe a shape. The object should simply be small and flat enough not to disturb the ball or other players' lines.
If you arrive at the green without one, you can improvise: a tee or a coin is enough.
The Rules on marking (Rule 14.1)
The Rules of Golf say exactly how to mark the spot of a ball.
Before lifting: before you lift a ball that has to be replaced, you mark its spot. You do this by placing the ball marker right behind or right next to the ball. Alternatively you may hold a club on the ground right behind or next to the ball. This is set out in Rule 14.1a.
Before the stroke: after replacing the ball you must remove the marker. If you make a stroke while the marker is still in place, you get a penalty stroke.
Penalty: lifting a ball without marking it, or marking the spot incorrectly, brings one penalty stroke.
Who may lift: the player or someone they authorise. On the putting green the caddie may lift without being told (Rule 14.1b).
On the putting green you may always clean the ball (Rule 14.1c). On the fringe or in the rough that does not apply, the ball stays where it lies.
Practical example: the ball lies in a partner's line
Imagine a par 3 of 140 metres. Your tee shot finishes on the green two metres from the hole. Your playing partner's ball is only one and a half metres from the hole, almost exactly on the line between your ball and the hole. You are further away, so you play first.
You ask your partner to mark the ball. They place the ball marker right behind the ball, lift it and clean it. Your line is now clear and you putt. Afterwards your partner replaces the ball on the marked spot, removes the marker and putts.
If instead a marker lies in your line, you may ask its owner to move it aside. The usual practice is to shift it one clubhead length in an agreed direction. Before their own putt they put it back on the old spot. This is etiquette. What matters is that the ball is later replaced exactly on its original spot, otherwise it is played from the wrong place.
Marking the ball: the right procedure
The right order prevents mistakes.
- Check whether the ball touches the green. Only then may you mark and lift it.
- Place the ball marker right behind or next to the ball.
- Lift the ball. You may clean it.
- Replace the ball by hand on the marked spot. The Rules require you to set the ball down on its original spot and release it (Rule 14.2).
- Remove the ball marker before you play.
If you move the marker by accident, for example while lifting the ball, there is no penalty on the green. You replace the ball on its original spot or mark that spot again (Rule 13.1d). If the spot can no longer be determined exactly, you estimate it as well as you can.
If a ball is replaced on the wrong spot and played, two penalty strokes apply in stroke play (Rule 14.7).
Ball marker, repair tool and tee compared
Golfers see several small objects on the green. The differences are simple.
- Ball marker: marks the spot of the ball and is removed before the stroke.
- Pitch repair tool: repairs pitch marks, the dents a ball leaves when it lands on the green. It is not a marker, but is often sold together with one.
- Tee: an aid for the tee shot. In an emergency it also serves as a marker.
- Divot tool: another name for the repair tool in some countries.
Golfers should always repair their own pitch marks, and another one if possible. This is etiquette and keeps the green smooth. The ball marker does not help with that, it is only for marking.
Typical mistakes with the ball marker
The same mistakes come up again and again when marking.
- Lifting the ball without marking: this costs a penalty stroke. Place the marker first.
- Leaving the marker in place: playing with the marker still down brings a penalty stroke.
- Lifting a ball on the fringe: a ball that does not touch the green may not be lifted. That also costs a penalty stroke.
- Placing the marker far from the ball: the marker should be right next to the ball. If it is further away, the spot is no longer clearly marked.
- Replacing carelessly: if you set the ball down a few centimetres off, you play from the wrong place.
- Forgetting your marker: if you arrive at the green without one, a coin or tee will do.
If you memorise this order, these mistakes hardly ever happen.
Tips: which ball marker suits you?
The choice depends on your preferences.
- Flat shape: a flat marker disturbs other players' ball roll less.
- Striking colour or pattern: it is easier to find again on the green and you will not mix it up with another player's marker.
- Magnet: a magnetic marker attaches to a cap or glove and is rarely lost.
- Combined with a repair tool: if you carry both in one device, you always have both with you.
- Spares: put two or three markers in the bag. A tee is the emergency solution.
Before the putt it also helps to replace the ball so that a printed line points along your intended putting line. The marker makes sure the ball returns to the same spot afterwards. A coach can show you how to build marking into your routine without slowing the pace of play.
Try it at Golf Lounge
On the Golf Lounge's 9-hole 'Black' course (par 33) you can practise marking under real conditions: the course has protected greens, bunkers and water hazards as well as par-3 and par-4 holes. With the DGV Platzreife you can play there from April to December, with up to four players per tee time. On the green you quickly see how marking and replacing feel in a group.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ball marker in golf?
A ball marker is a small, flat object that you use to mark the position of your ball on the putting green. You place it right behind or next to the ball and lift the ball. Afterwards you replace the ball on the same spot. Metal discs, coins and plastic discs are common.
What is the penalty for not marking the ball?
A player who lifts a ball that has to be replaced without marking its spot gets one penalty stroke (Rule 14.1). The same applies if the spot is marked incorrectly or a stroke is played with the marker still down. On the fringe the ball may not be lifted at all.
Where do I place the ball marker?
Place the ball marker right behind or right next to the ball. The rule does not mention a spot in front of the ball. The marker must show the spot exactly. Remove it before you make the stroke. The closer to the ball, the clearer the spot is marked.
What happens if I move the marker by accident?
On the putting green there is no penalty (Rule 13.1d). You replace the ball on its original spot or mark that spot again. If it can no longer be determined exactly, you estimate it as well as you can. The same applies if a playing partner moves your marker by accident.
May I use a coin as a ball marker?
Yes. The Rules of Golf do not prescribe a particular marker. A coin, a tee or another small object is enough. It should be flat so that it does not disturb other players. Alternatively you may hold a club right behind or next to the ball. You must always remove the marker before the stroke.
As of: October 2026