Today we are going to explore the concept of golf ball marking. Why do you do it? How do you do it? What are your different options to do it correctly?
The golf ball company Titleist did an advertisement related to this subject – it is an interesting watch.
Our advice is simple. It would be best if you never played a round of golf without first marking your golf ball. Curious about why? Keep reading!
In this article, we will cover:
- What Does It Mean To Mark Your Golf Ball?
- Why Are Golf Ball Markings Important?
- Is “Golf Ball Marking” Required By The Rules Of Golf?
- Can “Golf Ball Marking” Help You Play Better Golf?
- 5 Cool Ways To Mark Your Golf Ball
- 3 Products You Can Use For Golf Ball Marking
Let’s jump into it!
What Does It Mean To Mark Your Golf Ball?
There are different techniques, but the most common golf ball marking is a design you draw on your golf with a magic marker.
Golf ball markings can be very simple or extremely complicated. It is entirely up to you.
Be creative and create your own unique golf ball marking or copy what your favorite professional golfer does.
You simply want to make sure your golf ball is unique.
Why Are Golf Ball Markings Important?
This is a great question. Marking your golf ball isn’t about making it “pretty”. There are two primary reasons why you use golf ball markings.
#1: Your Golf Ball Needs To Be Unique
You never want to hit the wrong ball in golf accidentally. The rules of golf state that there is a 2-stroke penalty if you hit the wrong ball.
You may be thinking – I know I am hitting a Titleist AVX 2; what are the odds there is another one of these on the hole I am playing?
It is estimated that 1.5 million golf balls are lost every day! If you hit a ball into a hazard or high grass, it is possible a very similar ball is already in there.
If you properly mark your golf ball, you won’t accidentally hit the wrong one. Don’t let your score get ruined by penalty strokes.
#2: Give Yourself A Message
Do you use swing thoughts when you play? Would it help you to have a reminder prior to each shot?
Put it on your golf ball – you will see it prior to each swing. For example, let’s say you are working on taking a slow backswing.
Mark your golf ball with a SW. Each time you see it, you will be reminded that you should take a slow backswing.
It’s like having a caddy with you. Let your golf ball help you play better!
Is “golf Ball Marking” required By The Rules Of Golf?
There is no immediate penalty if you don’t mark your golf ball, but Rule 6.3 states “The player should put an identifying mark on the ball to be played“.
You don’t want to get caught in a situation where one of your competitors doesn’t believe it is your ball. Without a unique mark, you could be forced to declare your ball lost.
Our advice – avoid any confusion by always using a unique golf ball marking.
Can “Golf Ball Marking” Help You Play Better Golf?
You might be surprised by this answer, but many players believe that their golf ball markings improve their scorecard. The primary way it helps is your putting.
Here is one approach. Draw a straight line on your golf ball. Read your putt. Now aim the line you drew on the ball where you want your putt to start.
This can help you make more putts and will provide you with immediate feedback on the quality of your putting stroke.
Some players do the same thing when they are hitting their driver. They point the line down the middle of the fairway.
The primary purpose of golf ball markings is to identify your golf ball, but they can also help lower your golf handicap.
5 Cool Ways To Mark Your Golf Ball
Let’s dive into how to mark a golf ball. You typically mark your golf ball using different color markers – marking a golf ball with a Sharpie is a popular choice.
You can be creative and develop your own design, but here are the golf ball markings you will often see on the PGA Tour.
Here are 5 golf ball marking ideas:
Cool Ways To Mark Your Golf Ball #1: Dots
Golf balls have dimples. One easy golf ball marking is to use your magic marker to fill them in. This creates a perfect circle or “dot” on your golf.
Use different colors of markers. You can fill in one dimple or several. Go crazy and create a polka-dot ball.
This is the most common golf ball marking you will see on the course. You have probably found golf balls with dots on them.
Cool Ways To Mark Your Golf Ball #2: Line
In the section above, we talked about how adding a straight line to your golf ball can help you with your alignment and aim.
Drawing a line on the golf ball is the second most common golf ball marking. Many players will do dots and a line.
Cool Ways To Mark Your Golf Ball #3: Circle The Number
Every golf ball has a number on it. You might be playing a Titleist 4 or a TaylorMadeTaylorMade 2. Simply circle the number.
You can combine these items to make your ball truly stand out. A couple of dots in one color, a line in a different color, and a circle around the number.
This will leave no doubt that it is your ball!
Cool Ways To Mark Your Golf Ball #4: Scribble
Another interesting golf ball marking is the “scribble.” Grab your marker and begin marking a golf ball with a sharpie; simply draw a scribble all around the ball.
The advantage of this is that you can see your mark regardless of your lie. Even in deep grass, you will be able to see your scribble.
Cool Ways To Mark Your Golf Ball #5: Autograph It
Your signature is good enough to buy a house or write a check, so it should be good enough to identify your golf ball.
Grab a marker and sign your golf ball!
There you have it, 5 cool ways to mark your golf ball.
3 Products You Can Use For Golf Ball Marking
Do you want some help with how to mark a golf ball? No problem; here are the 3 products that make it easy!
#1: Tin Cup
Do you want to add a cool design to your golf balls? Tin Cup is the perfect product for you.
They have hundreds of options, from animals to an outline of your home state. You simply place your golf ball in the cup and trace the design with your marker.
Do you want to create your own design? Tin Cup allows you to purchase a customized version – simply send them what you want, and it will come in the mail.
The best thing about Tin Cups is how consistently your golf balls will look great. Not only do they identify your golf ball, they will also be a great conversation starter on the first tee.
#2: Golf Dotz
Golf Dotz is a quick and easy way to make your golf balls “your own.” They are small decals or stickers that you can quickly stick on your favorite Titleist or Callaway.
Do you have a favorite hobby, animal, or design? If so, we bet you can find it on the Golf Dotz website.
You can apply them to your golf ball in less than a minute, and they won’t fall off during normal play.
#3: Personalize Your Balls
This is a relatively new offering, but most golf companies and online retailers now offer free golf ball personalization.
You will be able to find several options. You can pick the number between 1-99, and you can add up to 3 lines of text to the side of the ball.
Add your name and your favorite golf quote. Put an inside joke on the golf ball. Go crazy.
Bob Smith. “Boss of the Moss.” Birdie Machine. Not only will you enjoy it, but if you lose one, someone else will have a chuckle when they find it.
Some companies also have logos you can add to your golf ball.
Letting the golf ball company do your customization is the easiest way to have unique golf ball markings.
Now that your golf is marked, we hope you play well!
