What is the proper way to mark and lift your ball when off the green

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By Brian K

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  • 13 Replies
  1. Brian K

    Brian K

    Military

    Can anyone please tell me the proper way to mark, lift and replace your golf ball when either on the fringe and/or in the fairway? Can you also please include the rule that backs it up. The reason I was always taught to mark the ball, pick it up with your two fingers and to replace it exactly in the same position as you picked it up. My playing partners disagreed and asked me to find a rule that states that. Any help would be appreciated.

  2. GMaynard

    GMaynard

    Military
    Look at rule 14
  3. Abdon M

    Abdon M
    Northern California (because it's a big state)

    Technically, you are not allowed to do what you're asking for, in a normal situation. The Rules of Golf (7.3) allows you to lift your ball for the need to identify it outside of the putting green. In this circumstance, before lifting it, you must mark your ball. The Rules of Golf also allow you to clean it but only to the extent that is needed to properly identify the ball. While on the green, you can pick up and clean your ball; there is no rule as to how the ball needs to be picked up on the green once it has been marked. Your ball needs to be replaced in its original spot (which if not known must be estimated). I hope this helps.
  4. GMaynard

    GMaynard

    Military
    The reason I was told to lift with 2 fingers is so you do not happen to clean the ball

    Temper Fi
  5. Abdon M

    Abdon M
    Northern California (because it's a big state)

    Not sure that would be a penalty if that was not your intent. With the major rules revision, a couple of years ago, there was a focus on intent and some penalties that were caused by unintentional acts, were removed.
  6. Chris92009

    Chris92009
    Ohio

    GMaynard said:

    The reason I was told to lift with 2 fingers is so you do not happen to clean the ball

    Temper Fi

    Agreed
  7. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    I have always carried the USGA rules book that can be purchased in most golf shops/retail stores for a small fee. This has saved a lot of disputes. The rules of golf are there to help golfers, but also can penalize them. Always read them before I played in a tournament. Found that most golfers are not familiar with them, as your ending statement validates. It can come in handy. Cheers. =)
  8. Garry B.

    Garry B.
    Houston, TX

    Our Buckeye friend has nailed it. Rule 14 is where you want to look. 14.1 specifically. The most common reasons for doing what you are asking is to see if it is your ball or when it interferes with play. There is no restriction on the number of fingers you can use. Two is used most often as that is the most practical way to do it. What you would not want to do is put it in your palm and then be accused of cleaning it. You must mark the ball but there is also no requirement on how to do it. Sticking a tee in the ground is the most common way but you can also use a ball marker or a club. Replace means put back where it was. Does this tell you all you need to know to respond to your playing partners?
  9. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Always a good idea to inform your playing partner of your intentions prior to proceeding under the lift rule. That way there is no controversy as to when or how you do it (ie. P. Reed at Torrey).
  10. Frank P

    Frank P
    Port St. Lucie, FL

    Military
    Have been a scorer for several years here at the PGA Golf Club during the winter club pro series. Many times, they played lift, clean and place thru the green. They take a tee, stick it in the ground behind the ball, pick up the ball, clean it and replace it in front of the tee. Simple.
  11. Brock L

    Brock L
    Fort Myers, FL

    Frank P said:

    Have been a scorer for several years here at the PGA Golf Club during the winter club pro series. Many times, they played lift, clean and place thru the green. They take a tee, stick it in the ground behind the ball, pick up the ball, clean it and replace it in front of the tee. Simple.

    That's quite a different situation than marking your ball through the green. I think he's asking about marking your ball because it interferes with a playing partner's line of play. In that case, you MUST be asked to mark the ball. You then mark the ball, pick it up (without cleaning it) and then replace it in the same position as it was before. Most players will use 2 fingers, but has been said, there is no specific as to HOW you pick up the ball.
  12. Frank P

    Frank P
    Port St. Lucie, FL

    Military

    Frank P said:

    Have been a scorer for several years here at the PGA Golf Club during the winter club pro series. Many times, they played lift, clean and place thru the green. They take a tee, stick it in the ground behind the ball, pick up the ball, clean it and replace it in front of the tee. Simple.

    Reread his post and he does not specifically say the reason for wanting to mark. With the people that I play with, we're not that technical. If you're stymied by another ball, just move it, hit your shot and replace the ball. "Let's keep it moving, boys, there's a group behind us and this isn't the US Open." As we like to say. Respectfully submitted.
  13. pulplvr

    pulplvr
    Spring, TX

    Military
    The Rules also permit you to mark your ball off the green if requested by another player when he/she believes your ball might interfere with the stroke he/she intends to play, Rule 15.3 You cannot do so unless requested by another player. There are no comments in the rule about the method for doing so, but I concur with Brian K's method for the reason stated.
  14. Brian K

    Brian K

    Military
    I just want to thank everyone for their input. Great feedback. Take care everyone.

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