Marking Your Ball on the Green

Do

• Place a ball marker (coin or official marker) directly behind your ball before lifting it
• Mark your ball if it might interfere with another player's line or path
• Replace ball on the exact same spot before putting
• Use a marker with a distinctive look so you don't confuse yours with others'

Don't

• Don't just pick up your ball without marking it first
• Don't move your mark without replacing it on the original spot

Beginner-safe script

“I'll mark my ball so it's out of your way.”

Why it matters

Official rule: ball on the green must be marked before lifting. Picking it up without marking is a 1-stroke penalty in official play.