Does a marker in a golf competition have to be a handicapped player or member of a golf club?

Question

Does a marker in a golf competition have to be a handicapped player or member of a golf club?

Answer 1

I think Slick has the wrong idea.  Usually a marker is a member of the club hosting the event, quite possibly the best player they have.  You wouldn't want to put a hack out there, s******g things up for the actual pros.  Keep in mind this isn't a pro-am or practice round, this is actual tournament play.  Someone needs to know the rules, play well, but unobtrusively, and keep the pace, which is the actual reason for him being there in the first place.

I would expect that would be a very coveted position to have.

Answer 2

Usually, the marker is the club's head professional. That way he would be able to play with the touring pro, know the rules, and not slow down play for the rest of the field.

Answer 3

A marker doesn't have to be either of those things.

Answer 4

No.  

The marker can be your opponent or someone not involved in the match. They do not have to be a handicapped player or a member of a golf club.  Typically someone that is not your opponent is assigned by the committee to mark cards.