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<\/p>\nThis is the golfing equivalent of A Tale of Two Cities. \u201cIt was the best of times. It was the worst of times\u201d. OK, perhaps that\u2019s one analogy too far.<\/p>\n
But this email question has two different answers \u2013 depending on what you\u2019ve done, or not done, with a humble ball marker.<\/p>\n
\u201cA player has marked and lifted his ball on the green. He then replaces his ball exactly where he marked it and lifts his marker. Subsequently, the ball rolls into the hole. What is the ruling?\u201d<\/p>\n
Is this a cause for unexpected celebration, or are the rules going to be a party pooper?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Golf ball marker rule: What\u2019s the answer?<\/p>\n
If you accidentally move a ball on the green \u2013 let\u2019s say that happens when you\u2019re lifting the marker \u2013 then you put it back on its original spot or place a ball-marker on that spot. There\u2019s no penalty. <\/p>\n
If the ball was moved by natural forces, such as by gravity from the slope of the putting surface or wind, then having already marked the ball becomes the crucial part of the answer.<\/p>\n
If a ball is lifted and replaced on the green, once it starts moving Rule 13.1d (2)<\/a> says the ball must be \u201creplaced on the spot it moved from\u201d \u2013 even though you, your playing partners, or anyone else had nothing to do with it.<\/p>\n If you hadn\u2019t been paying attention to where the ball had been replaced, don\u2019t panic. Use your best guess and it will be fine.<\/p>\n Of course, this leads to the question: What if the ball had not been lifted and replaced? If natural forces then cause it to move \u2013 and assuming you\u2019ve not given it a helping hand \u2013 then \u201cthe ball must be played from its new spot\u201d.<\/p>\n Well, in this case it\u2019s in the hole. So it counts.<\/p>\n Got a question for our expert?<\/p>\n Despite the changes to the Rules of Golf in 2019 and 2023, there are still some that leave us scratching our heads. I\u2019ll try to help by featuring the best of your queries in this column.<\/p>\n What do you think of this golf ball marker rule? Let me you what you think, and send me your own rules questions, by emailing me at s.carroll@nationalclubgolfer.com<\/a> or by leaving us a comment below, or on\u00a0X<\/a>.<\/p>\n