marking your ball

Question
Is there a rule on where to mark your ball on the green?

Answer
Greetings Joni,

When combing through the rules of golf, I found that your question wasn't an "absolute rule". That being said, under Rule 16-1b    (Lifting and Cleaning Ball), states "A ball on the putting green may be lifted, and if desired, cleaned.  The position of the ball must be marked before it is lifted, the ball must be replaced (See Rule 20-1)". There's a "note" under Rule 20-1-1, stating, "The position of the ball to be lifted SHOULD be marked by placing a ball-marker, a small coin, or other similar object immediately behind the ball..."
The word "SHOULD" is considered a rules of golf "RECOMMENDATION", not a precise, absolute no-can-do rule of golf.

So technically Joni, while there's a recommended way, one cannot be penalized for marking their ball to the side, or from the front...as long as they place the ball back to the same spot from where they first marked it.

I hope this helps Joni, and thank you for your question!!

Sincerely

Ruth Ann Allen,
PGA Professional