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Question: Ball Markers: Do the Rules Specify What Should - or Shouldn't - Be Used?

Answer: Do the rules of golf specify what types of objects are and are not appropriate to use as ball markers on the putting green? Do the rules prohibit the use of any particular objects as ball markers on the green?

These questions arose when a reader mentioned playing with a fellow-competitor who used a larger-than-usual and very thick coin as a ball marker. The reader found it very distracting, particularly when his playing partner's large ball marker was close to the hole.

Do you have any recourse when an opponent or fellow-competitor is using an unusual ball marker on the green, one that you find distracting? Yes, two: Politely ask him to switch to something else, something smaller. Or: Require him to move the distracting ball-marker over, one clubhead-length at a time, until it is no longer causing you "mental interference."

Ball markers come up in the official rules under Rule 20-1 (Lifting and Marking). Included in Rule 20-1 is the statement that the "position of the ball must be marked before it is lifted ..." More to the point is the Note to Rule 20-1, which reads:

"The position of a ball to be lifted should 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."

So the rules only state that the marker should be (as opposed to must be) marked using a "ball-marker, a small coin or other similar object." The USGA and R&A consider it appropriate for players to use a small, round, relatively flat object - whether a coin, or something specifically manufactured for use as a ball marker, or something else.

But the governing bodies do not require such an object be used. (That's the difference between using "should" and using "must" in the note to Rule 20-1 quoted above.)

Two decisions to Rule 20-1 are applicable, as well. Decision 20-1/16 responds to the question, "Is a player penalized if he uses an object that is not similar to a ball-marker or small coin to mark the position of his ball?"

The answer is no, with the decision stating, "The provision in the Note to Rule 20-1 is a recommendation of best practice, but there is no penalty for failing to act in accordance with the Note."

BEST LASER RANGE FINDER -

BUSHNELL PRO 1600 TOURNAMENT £330

BEST GPS -

SKYCADDIE SGX £349.95

WHAT I WOULD BUY -

GO PLANET MARS 100 £125

GPS OR LASER? -  This decision will ultimately be up to you and your own preference.  A laser will only help you when you can see the pin and it is not hindered by the weather conditions or an unsteady hand.  A GPS will provide you with a lot of information on a nice colour screen but will not tell you the exact distance from the flag as they only measure to the front, back or centre of the green and with the likes of sky caddie you have to pay a subscription or pay to download course maps although this is not always the case.  The reason I would buy the Go Planet is because I have found it very easy to use, cheap and accurate.  You can buy all of these online, but you can also buy the Go Planet in our Club Pro shop now.

The ladies away day at Morecambe was enjoyable although rather wet.  Joanne Benson won with 31 points.the Ladies Open went off well it was won by Mary Bellingham and Rita Walton of Carlisle Golf Club with 41 points. well done.the Mayor was there in the evening to present the prizes lets hope she comes back to visit us again sometime.  Maureen

Is it me or does time fly by even quicker these days?  August already!!! Let’s hope we can get a dry run through to the end of the season.  We crowned our Club Champion in July - Carl Douglas - and I’m sure you would join me in congratulating him on his achievement.  Consistency bring reward!!

You should be aware that C.L.L. Have recently appointed a new managing director - Andy King.  I have had meetings with him over recent weeks and find him to be very focused on his objectives for the company and has the best interests of the Club at heart.  The better for the Club - the better for C.L.L.  A new and welcome approach.  I’m sure the next few months will be interesting.  I wrote to the retiring M.D. (Jim Douglas) on behalf of the Club wishing him a long and pleasant retirement.

I am delighted with the progress that the Junior Section has made this season.  They acquit themselves well in competition with other Clubs and have made one or two sit up and take notice of us.  I hope the progress continues into the future.

Do you realise that the average age of the Committee is 58?!!!!  We are continually looking for new members prepared to spend some time benefiting your Club.  Anyone interested, particularly in the ‘younger’ age group, please contact me.

Alan

We have 1 game left, which if we win we can come 2nd in the league, which is a great progression in 3 seasons having finished last and second last in the last 2 seasons.  Well done boys.

WOLL GOLF COURSE - BORDERS 6,051 YARDS PAR 70

Set in a valley near Selkirk, Woll is a testing and enjoyable parkland course.  There are lots of mature tress, several ponds and a burn.  It is a thinking players course set in peaceful and tranquil surroundings.

1. Identify your target line by holding a club up behind the ball and picking out the best place to land your drive.  Keep one eye closed for accuracy.
2. Line your body up to the target line by putting your feet together opposite the ball.
3. Angle the club to your left pocket to get your hands in front of the ball and the club in position.
4. Take your grip.  Hold the club lightly - tight enough to control it but not too tight that you tense up all of your body.
5. Take your stance (for woods, take a little step with your left foot and a big one with your right.  For irons and wedges, take steps of equal length.
6. Keep your back straight at an angle of 45 degrees to get the perfect posture.  Put the weight on the balls of your feet, keep your chin up and let your arms hang.  Now you’re ready to hit it.
7.     Acceptance.  No matter what the outcome of the shot accept that it’s done and you can’t change it.  Repeat this routine on every shot.

Golf is so popular simply because it is the best game in the world at which to be bad.  ~A.A. Milne

Well August has arrived and where has the season gone?  I have just had a great week of golf winning with my mates at Barnard Castle which is a great course.  The I played a -5 at Lochmaben and a -4 at stony in the same day and then went round in gross 92 in the monthly medal.  You just have to smile about these things.  I am reading a very good book called Golf is not a game of perfect.  I recommend it.  Thanks - Adam

A person with great dreams can achieve great things.  - Dr Bob Rotella

A drop of sweat fell in my eye and I missed the ball.

Competitions are still being well contested and the notable events during July are:

Congratulations to Carl Douglas who after being the leading qualifier went on to regain the Club Championship defeating Steve Carrick in a keenly contested final.

We had the seasons 1st hole in one in the Cumberland News Trophy when Keith Mulholland holed his tee shot at the ninth. Also the first below 60 a net 59 by Andrew Scott in the July Monthly Medal. Well done to both.

Daniel Ling also had a purple patch in July winning 3 trophies, the Sewell Cup, the Cumberland News Trophy and the Malcolm Robertson Pairs with Daniel Rae.  Keep trying - Vic