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 .