Does the USGA Rules Book define what can be used as a ball marker on green?

Question

I believe marking your ball on the green serves two purposes:

1) Allows you to clean your ball.

2) As a courtesy to other players, it removes your ball as a distraction from their field of vision.

That being said, I've noticed often some players will mark their ball spot using a tee. Obviously, a ball cannot roll over a tee, so it COULD be viewed as an obstruction; but usually, a tee-marker is NOT in one's Line of Putt.

However, it could also be viewed as a distraction...a tee sticking up from the green surface.

Does the USGA address specifically what can or cannot be used as a ball marker on the green? I cannot find a ruling.

Is using a "tee" sanctioned by the USGA?

Ever see tour pros mark their ball using a "tee"?

Answer 1

You can mark your ball with a cigarette butt. The rule is not specific. Rule 20-1 states that the ball should be marked by placing a ball-marker, small coin or other similar object immediately behind the ball. If my ball-marker is a cigarette butt then that's my ball-marker. If my ball-marker is a golf tee then that's my ball-marker.

Answer 2

Tees are legal, yes it is addressed

Answer 3

The rules say you can use anything. PGA tour wants it to be round. Tees CAN be used as provided by the rules and have been. A few years ago Jesper dropped his ball on his coin and it moved which resulted in a 1 stroke penalty, then the rest of the round he marked with a tee.

Answer 4

the rules say you can use anythign to mark your ball, but i think using a tee esp if it is someone's line is a little rude.

Answer 5

using a tee is permitted.......if it is in another player's line, then it can be moved until after they putt.

Answer 6

The rulebook says coin like object.  Ian Woosnam used a key once which was not deemed to be coin like and thus was penalized.

Answer 7

The rule book doens't specifically spell out exactly what you should use, but it say something like a "small, round, flat object".  A tee is rude, distracting and I would say against the rules, and you will never see a pro using a tee in a competition.

Answer 8

I don't believe there is a specification for a ball marker...