06/05/2026
Let’s talk about something small… but mighty important on the golf course—Rule 14.1.
Here’s the deal: Before lifting your ball (whether you’re on the green or taking relief), you must mark its exact spot. Think of it as giving your ball a reserved parking space—it expects to return to the same spot!
How to do it properly: Place a ball-marker directly behind or right next to the ball
Or hold a club on the ground in the same position. And don’t forget: remove the marker before your stroke (we’re playing golf, not setting traps)
Why this matters: This rule keeps the game fair and consistent for everyone. Without it, we’d have balls mysteriously “improving their lie” more often than we’d like to admit…
And yes, there’s a penalty: If you forget to mark it, mark it incorrectly, or leave the marker in place when you hit—that’s a 1-stroke penalty. Ouch. That one stings more than a missed 3-footer.
Bonus note: Rule 14.1 also covers who can lift your ball and when it can (or can’t) be cleaned—and there are a few situations where cleaning is strictly off-limits. So when in doubt, pause and play it by the book. See USGA official rules
Bottom line:
Mark it. Lift it properly. Respect the rule.
Your scorecard (and your playing partners) will thank you.
Now go out there and roll ‘em true!
Have a great weekend!
