Golf Game Secrets

Golf ball markers…  probably the least talked about item “in your bag”, but something that every golfer uses.  Boring subject?  Yes.  But have you really ever thought about your ball marker?  Some people are superstitious about what they use, some just use whatever is in their pocket at the time.  Rule 20-1 discusses the ball marker but doesn’t specify what you can use.  A coin, rock, button, or even a beer can is legal. 

Prior to the early 1950’s, ball markers were not used.  Instead, if your opponents ball was more than 6″ away from yours, your only option was to chip over their ball, or go around it.  It was called a “stymie” and from what I’ve read, it was often used to prevent your opponent from having a clear putt to the hole.  You can read more about the stymie here . 

Commercially sold ball markers come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and forms.  Some are inexpensive, some aren’t cheap.  They usually range in size from a dime to a quarter.  Some come with matching divot tools. 

I usually use the free ones you receive at golf tournaments, or whatever is attached to my glove or in my pocket (usually coins).  Some of the more popular ball markers have magnets attached to them and can be clipped to your hat.  They are very convenient to use and helps avoid having to dig through your pocket looking for the ball mark.   

In addition to “fun” ball markers like the happy face above, there are also markers out there that can help your game.  This one actually looks useful in that you can set up your aim point using the guide on the marker, pick up your ball, and while cleaning it, still read the green. 

Professional golfers are like us.  They use a variety of ball markers with the most popular apparently being loose change.  Rory Mcilroy uses an American 50 cent piece, and Stephen Ames uses a Canadian dollar.  From what I understand, some of the LPGA players are using custom made ball markers.  Interested in seeing photographs of what some of the Pro’s use?  Click Here .

Many average golfers want to go see how the pros do it when a professional golf tour comes to their area. Although golf seems to be a spectator sport that plays better on television, golf enthusiasts should go experience a live event at least once. Here are some tips and information that may help you. Most professional golf events have websites that can answer frequently asked questions.

Most professional events allow you to purchase tickets on a per-day basis, or sell ticket packages for the duration of the event. For most PGA Tour, LPGA and Champions Tour events, expect to pay around $30 for a single day ticket, and around $75 for a four-day pass.

If you wish to attend a Nationwide Tour Event, single-day tickets cost about $10, with week long event packages in the $30 range. Major tournaments will likely cost a little more to attend. It is important to check with the particular event you will be attending to determine what you can and cannot bring to the course with you (esp. refreshments, chairs and cameras).

Backpacks are usually allowed as long as they are carrying towels, sunscreen and clothing. Generally, you will want to travel light, since it will be a long day, and you will likely be walking several miles. Dress comfortably, protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.

Parking and Accommodations. Again, you should check with the event regarding parking. Because many country clubs and golf courses that host professional events are located in suburban neighborhoods, parking may be limited. Field or roadside parking may be available, but in many cases, spectators will need to park at a remote location and ride a shuttle to the golf course.

The tournament website should also list nearby hotels that will likely provide shuttle service to and from the course etiquette. Because golf is a gentlemans game, it should be respect as such. Silence is golden, and spectators should not talk while a golfer is preparing to swing, take pictures during a golfers swing, or talk to a golfer in between his or her shots.

Stay outside of designated boundaries, do not touch a ball that has been hit into the gallery, and although there may be a mad scramble to surround a miss hit ball, use common sense to avoid standing in an area between the golfers miss hit ball and his next target.

Failure to follow proper spectator etiquette can get you expelled from the course without a refund.