Golf Ball Marking Rules Differ by Match Format
Permission is required each time another player’s ball is lifted.
A golfer cannot automatically pick up and mark a playing partner’s ball on the green. The player may do it, or authorize someone else, but that approval applies to one lift only. General permission for the entire round does not count.
The consequence depends on the competition. In stroke play, there is no penalty when another player moves the ball; it is treated as an outside influence, and the ball must go back to its original location. The person who moved it may replace it after marking the spot. Match play is stricter: deliberately touching an opponent’s stationary ball brings a one-stroke penalty. That penalty can be avoided when the opponent requested the lift, when a stroke, hole or match is being conceded, or when the ball was picked up accidentally because it was mistaken for yours. Accidental movement of a ball on the putting green is also exempt.
- Authorization must be given separately for every lift.
- Stroke play treats the mover as an outside influence.
- Match play carries a one-stroke penalty for deliberate touching.
- A mistaken pickup does not breach the rule.
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