1. Introduction
A marker is a general term for a tool used to mark a ball, and is also called a "ball marker" or "golf marker." It is an essential item to carry when playing a round.
Its role is to use it in accordance with the rules as a ``marker'' when picking up the ball, and also as a minimum standard of etiquette to not interfere with other players' putting.
The 2019 rule changes brought about a number of changes.
There have also been revisions regarding "touching" and "moving" the ball, and these actions require of a "golf marker."
Now, let's take a look at various things regarding golf markers, including the rule changes for 2019.
According to the rules, a "marker" is someone designated by the committee to record a player's score in stroke play. In simple terms, a "marker" is someone responsible for keeping the score, so in this article, we will refer to placing a "golf marker" to touch the ball as a "mark," and the object used to mark as a "golf marker."
2.What is a golf marker?
Since the 2019 rule revision, a golf marker has been defined as
Natural objects such as stones and branches cannot be used as golf markers.
3. How to use the golf marker
To use a golf marker, place it directly behind or very close to the ball to indicate the location of the ball.
After your ball lands on the green, be mindful of not interfering with your partner's approach around the green, and if there is even the slightest possibility that the ball will hit the green, mark it (if there is a possibility that the ball will hit, it would be smart to ask, "Shall I mark it?").
Place the golf marker directly behind your ball, facing the pin.
Pick up the ball.
*There is no problem if you wipe the ball on the green at this time.
When it's your turn to putt, place the ball directly in front of you, facing your ball and the pin.
Putting.
. Also, only you, your caddie, and your approved companions may touch your ball while playing.
Caddies may pick up balls without authorization as long as they mark the ball on the green.
Accompanying persons will be approved each time a mark is made.
There are "rules" and "manners" for using golf markers.
We will explain how to use general golf markers depending on the situation.
Aren't golf markers supposed to be placed behind the ball?
The general rule of thumb is to mark directly behind the ball, facing the cup.
The rule states that the ball must be placed "immediately after or very close to the ball," but does not specify that it must be "immediately after the ball."
What we can see here is that "replace" = "returning the ball to its original location" is important. In other words, even if you intend to replace the ball later, if you mark it more than two inches away, you will be penalized one stroke, so be careful.
What to do if your golf marker is on another player's line?
General etiquette is to move your golf marker so that it is off the line of other players.
Decide the direction in which to move the golf marker and set a target that will not change position.
Aim the putter head in the direction of the target.
Move the golf marker by one putter head. *If you can't move it by one, move it another distance using the same procedure.
Once your partner has finished putting, return the golf marker to its original position by reversing the steps from step ③ and then putt.
He reads the situation ahead, asks "Shall I move the mark?" and moves the golf marker, which is very gentlemanly.
If there is even the slightest possibility that the ball will hit you, it's a good idea to start by asking, "Isn't that in the way?"
If you forget to put the golf marker back in its original place before putting, you will be penalized two strokes.
You can request the owner of a golf marker on the line to "move it," and if the owner refuses and continues playing, the owner will be penalized one stroke (two strokes in stroke play).
What if you place your ball on the green without marking it and it gets hit by another player's approach ball?
There is no penalty for either party.
The person who hits the ball continues from the position where the ball stopped, and the person who is hit continues from the position where they think the ball started.
What if I leave my ball on the green without marking it and it gets hit by another player's putt?
"The person who hits the ball will continue from the position where the ball stopped with a two-stroke penalty," and "The person who is hit will continue from the position where the ball is presumed to have originally stopped with no penalty."
What if another player's ball touches the golf marker you marked on the green and changes the line of the ball?
There is no penalty for either party.
4. What golf markers do pros use?
Japanese professional golfers sometimes use golf markers related to their sponsors, or tournament logo markers.
Other commonly seen items include custom-made items that symbolize the player, items with unique images or text, items that are said to bring good luck to the player, and coins that were actually in circulation around the world.
On the other hand, it seems that many professional players overseas use coins as golf markers.
5. Types of golf markers [by type and storage location]
Types of golf markers by storage location
1. Cap Marker
This is a highly popular golf marker. It is attached to the brim of a cap or visor. There are various attachment methods, such as "clip type" and "integrated base type", and recently there are also "embedded base type caps" where the base is embedded in the cap.
2. Pocket Marker
Like the cap marker, this is a mainstream golf marker that stores the golf marker by clipping the magnetic base to your pocket.
3. Necklace-style marker
These are primarily for women, but there are also necklace-style markers for men with a more rugged design, making them convenient for those who don't mind wearing a necklace while swinging.
4. Wristband marker
There are bracelet types and rubber wristband types.
5. Green fork attachment marker
The green fork has a removable golf marker attached to the handle.
6. Ball pouch with marker and putter cover
The ball storage pouch and putter cover come with a removable golf marker, making them a great item for tidying up (Note: If you have a putter cover or pouch with a magnet embedded in it, you can use it).
Types of golf markers by type
7. Casino Markers and Coin Markers
The designs are made to resemble casino chips and coins, and coin markers tend to be larger than Japanese coins. There are many manufacturers that will create your own name markers with your own unique designs printed on them.
8. 3D marker
There are types with characters and motifs that stand out, and types that don't get in the way when you mark something. If you use it with good manners, it's a cute and easy-to-read item.
9. Light-gathering marker
They are made of a material that reflects sunlight and stands out on the green, and have been gaining popularity recently.
6. Popularity ranking of golf markers
- 1st Place: [Store Display Item] Magnetic Marker GV-0883
- 2nd Place: Golf Marker Clip (with base) AS-441
- 3rd Place: Flip-up type marker LG5SAZ61M 2025
- 4th Place: MLB Magnetic Marker Set 2024
- 5th place: Marker THMG5FM3 2025
- 6th Place: Adidas Neon Color Clip Marker ADM-934
- 7th Place: Logo Marker 26 JM 2026
- 8th Place: Bear 3D Marker FW 23 JM
- 9th Place: 2021 Briefing B SERIES Magnetic Marker BRG193G62
- 10th Place: Bear Marker 26 JM 2026
1st placeTabata
[Store Display Item] Magnetic Marker GV-0883
![[Store Display Item] Magnetic Marker GV-0883](https://nikigolf.itembox.cloud/product/272/000000027261/000000027261-01.jpg?size=l&w=ODAw)
NIKI GOLF Special Price: 298 yen
A popular magnetic marker with a unique design.
Basic specifications
| material | Steel, magnet |
|---|---|
| size | Approximately 25mm in diameter |
| Available colors | (K) Cat, (L) Panda, (M) Soccer, (O) Rainbow, (P) Sunflower, (R) Lemon |
| Note “1” | This item is new and unused, but as it was displayed in a store, there may be some scratches, stains, or discoloration on some parts of the product. |
| Note “2” | As this is a limited edition item, we cannot accept any returns or exchanges. Please check the images before purchasing. |
Product List
| Content | |
|---|---|
| K Cat Stock | K Cat |
| O Rainbow Stock | O Rainbow |
2nd place:DAIYA GOLF
Golf marker clip (with base) AS-441
NIKI GOLF Special Price: 440 yen
The clip has a strong magnet, so it can be attached to any coin that is attracted to magnets. We recommend using it in conjunction with the separately sold diamond golf marker.
Basic specifications
| material | Body: Iron, Magnet: Neodymium |
|---|---|
| size | 15mm (height) x 32mm (width) (oval portion only), magnet portion: 7mm in diameter |
| Available colors | Silver |
Product List
| Content | |
|---|---|
| Marker clips in stock | Marker Clip |
3rd placele coq sportif
Flip-up type marker LG5SAZ61M 2025
NIKI GOLF Special Price: 1980 yen
A flip-up marker with a central section that rises up. Despite its simple color scheme, the Le Coq Sportif graphic design ensures excellent visibility on the green.
Basic specifications
| material | Zinc alloy, iron |
|---|---|
| size | F (Motif size 4.5 x 4.5 cm) |
| Available colors | (NV00) Navy, (WH00) White |
Product List
| color | |
|---|---|
| (NV00) Navy Stock | (NV00) Navy |
| (WH00) White Stock | (WH00) White |
4th place:Other brands
MLB Magnetic Marker Set 2024
NIKI GOLF Special Price: 2200 yen
These magnetic golf markers feature the team logos of Major League Baseball teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees. They have a cool, coin-like design.
Basic specifications
| size | [Large] 40mm in diameter, [Small] 24mm in diameter |
|---|---|
| Content | Dodgers, Padres, Yankees |
Product List
| Content | |
|---|---|
| Dodgers Inventory | Dodgers |
| Padres In Stock | Padres |
| Yankees In Stock | Yankees |
5th placeTommy Hilfiger
Marker THMG5FM3 2025
NIKI GOLF Special Price: 1800 yen
Flag logo marker. Features a simple, transparent flag design and classic color scheme. The design allows for use on both sides.
Basic specifications
| material | metal |
|---|---|
| Available sizes | Diameter: 34mm |
| Available colors | (00) White, (10) Black, (30) Navy, (40) Red |
Product List
| color | |
|---|---|
| (00) White Stock | (00) White |
| (10) Black In Stock | (10) Black |
| (30) Navy In Stock | (30) Navy |
| (40) Red In Stock | (40) Red |
6thAdidas
adidas Neon color Clip marker ADM-934
NIKI GOLF Special Price: 2530 yen
A cap marker with neon colors that stand out on the green.
Basic specifications
| material | Marker: Zinc alloy, magnet; Base: Iron |
|---|---|
| size | Marker: Diameter 30 x D3mm, Base: W40 x 30mm |
| weight | Marker: 11g, Base: 5g |
| Available colors | （IR0016）Pink、（IR0017）Yellow、（IR0018）Orange |
Product List
| color | |
|---|---|
| IR0016 PK In Stock | IR0016 PK |
| IR0017 YE In Stock | IR0017 YE |
| IR0018 OR In Stock | IR0018 OR |
7th placeCallaway
Logo Marker 26 JM 2026
NIKI GOLF Special Price: 3080 yen
■A marker with a base featuring a glamorous design where the Callaway logo stands out against the glittery surface.
This item makes a strong statement on the green and brightens up your round. The base is a clip type, so it can be attached to the brim of your cap.
It's perfect for personal use, as well as for gifts or competition prizes.
Basic specifications
| material | Iron, magnet |
|---|---|
| Available colors | (5926119) White, (5926120) Black, (5926121) Red |
Product List
| color | |
|---|---|
| (5926119) White (In Stock) | (5926119)ホワイト |
| (5926120) Black - In Stock | (5926120)ブラック |
| (5926121) Red (In Stock) | (5926121) Red |
8th placeCallaway
Bear 3D Marker FW 23 JM
NIKI GOLF Special Price: 4180 yen
A cute marker from Callaway's "Bear" series.
Basic specifications
| material | Iron, magnet, PVC |
|---|---|
| Available colors | (5923691) Brown, (5923692) White, (5923693) Navy |
Product List
| color | |
|---|---|
| 5923691 Brown (In Stock) | 5923691 Brown |
| 5923692 White - In Stock | 5923692 White |
| 5923693 Navy (In Stock) | 5923693 Navy |
9th placeBRIEFING
2021 Briefing B SERIES Magnetic Marker BRG193G62
NIKI GOLF Special Price: 3850 yen
This marker combines a highly sensitive design that prioritizes visibility on the green with easy portability, making it an attractive accessory to carry around. It's a clip-on marker with a magnet that can be attached to the brim of a cap or similar item for easy carrying. The sophisticated design, featuring both the BRIEFING logo and the BRIEFING B-mark logo, is outstanding.
Basic specifications
| material | Clip: Brass, Iron; Marker: Iron |
|---|---|
| size | Clip: 40mm wide x 15mm high, Marker: 30mm in diameter |
| Available colors | (000) White, (010) Black |
Product List
| color | |
|---|---|
| 000 White - In Stock | 000 White |
| 010 Black (In Stock) | 010 Black |
10thCallaway
Bear Marker 26 JM 2026
NIKI GOLF Special Price: 4180 yen
■A marker featuring a three-dimensional Callaway Bear and a sparkling star-shaped base, this marker boasts a pop design that will brighten up your round.
Combining cuteness and presence, this item is easy to spot even in a green setting and is sure to lift your spirits. It's a versatile marker that can be used as a stylish accent for your rounds, and can also be coordinated with bags and other accessories.
Available in three colors to suit your mood and style. Perfect for yourself, as well as for gifts or competition prizes.
Basic specifications
| material | Zinc alloy, iron, magnet |
|---|---|
| Available colors | (5926131) Pink, (5926132) Green, (5926133) Yellow |
Product List
| color | |
|---|---|
| (5926131) Pink (In Stock) | (5926131)ピンク |
| (5926132) Green (In Stock) | (5926132) Green |
| (5926133) Yellow (In Stock) | (5926133) Yellow |
7. Conclusion
As you can see, there are many rules even just for golf markers, so it's a good idea to study etiquette and manners. However, don't be intimidated by the thought that "a round of golf can be a hassle with all the etiquette" or "what if I make a mistake in etiquette," but start by enjoying the round in general with close friends or trusted seniors.
Golf is a sport that can be enjoyed with the goal of making the round enjoyable for everyone in the party. Learn from the behavior of experienced players and the demeanor of smart players, and sometimes receive guidance as you grow and inherit the skills to enjoy golf.
Don't forget your golf marker!
