Hi Linda,
While playing golf in Phoenix, Arizona the other day I confronted
a player that started play on the first hole. He hit his ball onto the green
and after marking his ball, he took out a marker and drew a line on his ball
before putting out! Can you please comment on this issue?
I believe that a player cannot alter his equipment (the
ball) after starting a hole. What, if any, is the penalty for the player
marking his ball before finishing the hole?
Lou from Avondale, Arizona
Dear Lou,
Drawing a line on a golf ball does not change its playing
characteristics. There is no Rule against writing on the ball at any time
during the round.
Don’t confuse this with altering the playing characteristics
of a club. This is expressly prohibited once the round has begun [Rule 4-2a].
Linda
Copyright © 2018 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
