[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Why Golf Ball Marking Is Necessary"

Marking is done to easily distinguish one's own golf ball.

‘Golf ball marking’.

Golfers check the brand, number, and identification mark on their ball right before the tee shot in the teeing area of the 1st hole. If the brand and number are the same, they mutually agree to replace the ball to avoid duplication. Marking is not mandatory according to the Rules of Golf (6-3a), but it is highly recommended in Rule 6-3a.

Each player should put an identification mark on his ball to clearly distinguish it as their own. Recently, unique markings reflecting individual personality and hobbies have become popular among playing partners. These include circles around the ball number, black or red dots, initials in English, English alphabets, and alignment aids.

Marking is actually helpful in deep rough or bunkers. Professional players do the same. Bubba Watson (USA) draws a pink circle next to the number. Jordan Spieth uses the letter Z, Jessica Korda underlines below the brand, and Tiger Woods (all from the USA) has ‘TIGER’ printed on his ball. Companies use ball marking as a promotional tool. Individuals also create commemorative balls to give to acquaintances when achieving rare feats like hole-in-ones or eagles.

Golf ball marking is to prevent playing with the wrong ball. Playing a wrong ball results in losing the hole in match play or a two-stroke penalty in stroke play. When a lost ball occurs, it is easy to identify the ball during the ball searching process.

A: What kind of ball are you using?

B: I’m using a Callaway 3.

A: What is your identifying mark on the ball?

B: My identification marks are a couple of magic point marks in the dimples on the left side of the number on each ball.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, Golf Columnist