ball marker

[NoBack]

quick question for you..... during weekend game with the guys.....
someone does not remove his ball marker and proceeds to putt with it under the back of his ball ........what happens?
any penalties???

[Gary Hill]

Rule 20-4. When Ball Dropped or Placed Is in Play
If the player's ball in play has been lifted, it is again in play when dropped or placed.
A substituted ball becomes the ball in play when it has been dropped or placed.

Under Rule 20-4, a ball is in play when it is replaced, whether or not the object used to mark its position has been removed.

Despite the fact that the ball is in play, it is also still marked, therefore with the marker in place the player may lift or touch the ball again.

Although there is not a specific prohibition as to putting while the marker is in place, if it aids the player in any manner in playing his stroke (alignment, direction of stroke) or supporting or holding the ball (the marker holding the ball on a fast green) such would violate Rule 8-2 (Indicating Line of Play) or Rule 14-2 ( Assistance).

Because the burden would be on the player to establish that leaving the marker in place did not represent an aid, it is recommended that the marker be lifted to eliminate any question as to the player’s intentions.

[NoBack]

ok so what about a guy who uses his repair tool as a marker.
replaces his ball and then puts the repair tool back in the greeen but just to the side of the ball. is this allowed or not (is this not helping his direction of the putt?)

[Gary Hill]

This would not be allowed.