| In present times ball markers are a necessary | | | | marker. |
| accessory for all golfers. They have their origins way | | | | It is now a simple matter to print a small self |
| back in the history of golf when the game was | | | | adhesive label to fix into the recess. These labels are |
| played on the fields of St Andrews in Scotland. In | | | | laminated to make them durable enough to stand up |
| those days when a golfers ball came to rest on the | | | | to years of use on the golf course. As an alternative |
| putting line of his opponents they were allowed to | | | | a label is printed and fixed in position. A clear resin is |
| leave it there as an obstruction and serious | | | | then applied over the top and allowed to set. This |
| inconvenience to the opponent. | | | | then gives a domed effect securing the printed |
| But in the end the decision was made to expect the | | | | paper and sealing it at the same time. |
| player, whose ball was obstructing, to move their ball. | | | | An upmarket version of the ball marker is one which |
| This required some form of record as to the position | | | | is cast. The logo and script are cast into the surface |
| of the ball as it needed to be replaced with a certain | | | | of the marker and the resulting indentations are filled |
| amount of accuracy. | | | | with coloured paint. This is a laborious operation |
| Enter the ball marker. From the outset and by | | | | usually done by hand which results in a rather |
| tradition these have always been round in profile. | | | | expensive item. |
| Initially a coin would be used. If the coin were to be | | | | In order to reduce the amount of metal needed to |
| of a substantial thickness then the opponents could | | | | manufacture the markers they have, with a few |
| request that the ball marker be moved off the line | | | | exceptions, been made flat on both sides. This gave |
| and ultimately replaced. The accepted method used | | | | rise to a golden opportunity to use the marker for |
| to move the marker from the opponents putting line. | | | | another purpose. On the occasions when a ball |
| Today the ball markers are made usually of plastic or | | | | marker has to be removed off the opponents line it |
| metal. Plastic ball markers, being light in weight, have | | | | is imperative that it be replaced to its original position |
| been designed with a small spike to press into the | | | | before the putt is taken. |
| ground. This avoids them being affected by any | | | | Failure to do this results in a penalty being incurred. |
| outside agent causing them to move. These ball | | | | To help avoid this punishment it is a neat trick to turn |
| markers can be printed on their flat surface with golf | | | | the ball marker over when moved. This will place the |
| club names or company logos. More recently the | | | | plain side uppermost which will then draw your |
| metal variation has become popular. The ball markers, | | | | attention later to the fact that the ball marker should |
| having a flat face, were then given a shallow recess | | | | be put back to its original position before putting out. |
| extending to very near the outside edge of the | | | | |