Marking a ball on the green

Question
When marking a ball on the green, can you place your marker in front of the ball? I no that it is no a good idea to do it that way but can it be done?

Thank you,

Gus


Answer
HI Gus;

Read this rule.  You will note that I have capitalized your specific answer!!!

Well under rule 20-1. Lifting and Marking

A ball to be lifted under the Rules may be lifted by the player, his partner or another person authorized by the player. In any such case, the player is responsible for any breach of the Rules.

The position of the ball must be marked before it is lifted under a Rule that requires it to be replaced. If it is not marked, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke and the ball must be replaced. If it is not replaced, the player incurs the general penalty for breach of this Rule, but there is no additional penalty under Rule 20-1.

If a ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved in the process of lifting the ball under a Rule or marking its position, the ball or ball-marker must be replaced. There is no penalty, provided the movement of the ball or ball-marker is directly attributable to the specific act of marking the position of or lifting the ball. Otherwise, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke under this Rule or Rule 18-2a.

Exception: If a player incurs a penalty for failing to act in accordance with Rule 5-3 or 12-2, there is no additional penalty under Rule 20-1.

NOTE: The position of a ball to be lifted SHOULD (not must) be marked by placing a ball-marker, a small coin or other similar object IMMEDIATELY BEHIND the ball. If the ball-marker interferes with the play, stance or stroke of another player, it should be placed one or more clubhead-lengths to one side.


Here are some quick FYI's and tips for you regarding rules.

Did you know that...

1. You can access the rules of golf via the internet at http://www.usga.org  Look directly under the US in USGA and you will see the link for rules.

2. You can also access the USGA Rules and Decisions right from your phone.  The USGA has apps available for I-phone, Blackberry and Android.  Just go to http://www.usga.org/mobile/ and find out more.

Hope this helps

Happy Golfing and Have A Great Day
Robb Nunn
PGA Professional