My guess would be sand or grit on the ball causing the scratches. Can't be sure but that seems logical.

Range Balls Covered in Muddy Sand Perhaps?

Cheers,
Dr. K

From what I've seen on my own clubs, probably a dirty range ball?

Looks like striking a ball that either had some sand/dirt on it at the point of contact or was damaged/scuffed in the same spot with a swing that cut across and down on the ball (out to in downward path)

High hit with a ball that either had dirt/sand on the ball or you hit the ground first, sending the slightest spray of sand from the tee box into the ball at impact while cutting across the shot on the upswing. All courses sand their tee boxes so this is the likely scenario. Watch pros hitting tee shots on the range. They do not take them directly off the grass and on the tee. Their caddie wipes each ball and then hands them to the pro. It does not take much to get this result. Clean the face and try black car polish if the spot bothers you but it should not affect the play of the club.

??? Hitting range balls with sand/gritty dirt?

If it had a ball mark on the face, something was wrong with the golf ball. What kind of ball was it? 1. Do you hit a lot of range balls? 2. Sometimes balls will pick up "sand" can scratch the face of the driver. Old range balls could do this. I play a lot of rounds (65,000 rounds per year) at a local muni. The range is always packed and the balls take a beating. l very seldom hit my driver at our range, unless the ball is in good condition.

65,000 rounds Chuck? No wonder your back is hurting! LOL Just kidding, couldn't let the opportunity slip by.

Hitting balls at Topgolf will put marks on your clubs. Did on a couple of my clubs.

Sometimes a dirty ball will leave a mark like. Sand will also kick up from tee shots and will cause the same thing on face