Choosing Golf Ball Markers That Make the Cut

Golfers could use a coin or a golf tee to mark their ball, so why use a golf ball marker? Unique and custom-designed golf ball markers have gained popularity since golf facilities began putting their logos on markers in their own pro shops.

Today, golf ball markers make a great gift for golfers and provide one more avenue for golfers to bring their own style and personality to the course. Dane Delgado, who founded the golf ball marker company Matchstick Golf, explains.

“You accessorize with everything else. You pick your headcovers, you pick your bag, your shoes, your towel,” he said. “You have all the things you could possibly customize, and the last couple things are divot tools and ball markers to round it out.”

Using any old golf ball marker may get the job done, but there are a few characteristics that separate the best golf ball markers from the rest.

“What makes a good golf ball marker is one that does two things. It gives you some sort of confidence in your putting. Whether that’s some kind of alignment tool, a design that you like, something that is memorable, something that you like every time you step up and start your routine to putt,” Delgado said. “The other thing that makes a good golf ball marker is something that is clearly visible on the green but isn’t obnoxious or even hazardous to other golfers.”

Of course, you need to be able to easily spot your golf ball marker when it’s your turn to putt, but using a marker with a large footprint can also impede your playing partner’s putting line. Striking a balance between the two is key.

Delgado designs Matchstick markers to be no larger than 1.25 inches in any direction, with roughly the thickness of a quarter. He chose this size specifically to ensure the markers would be easy to spot on the green and easy to pull out of a pocket, while fitting flush on a magnetic hat clip or divot tool and subtle enough that if a misread or mis-hit putt strikes a marker, it won’t deflect offline.

However, some golfers prefer a larger marker that stands a little taller and carries a little more weight in a pocket or golf bag. Those players don’t have to look too hard to find a marker that suits their style.

“A lot of our competitors make bigger marks, they make marks that are around the size of a poker chip or slightly under that,” Delgado said. “That’s the cool thing about being in the golf space right now, you have companies that make different things for different people and everybody has an option.”

No matter what your size, weight, style, or budget preferences are, there is a golf ball marker for you. From the freebie markers on the pro shop counter at your local muni, to markers with much more personality, here’s a look at the golf ball marker options available today.

If you can’t find a golf ball marker design that truly resonates with you or the golfer you’re shopping for, you can customize a marker with a special message, logo, photo, or design through sites like Amazon, Etsy, or Zazzle.

Golf ball markers are a great accessory that can add some subtle style to your golf game. You might be surprised at how quickly your marker becomes part of your putting routine that keeps your spirits light on the greens, or becomes a good luck charm that you can’t live without.