Ball markers.....does the size a fellow player uses bother you?

[JimNewton]

I played with a random many years ago who marked the ball with the toe of his putter. Do you want a quarter bro? "No I do this all the time." [size=4]Okkkkk ... can you uh .... move your putter ... to the other side. [/size]

[size=4]After that experience a poker chip is fine by me. [/size]

[hiflyer51]

[quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1405083789' post='9679561']
[quote name='hiflyer51' timestamp='1405044631' post='9677497']
[quote name='dmblanch' timestamp='1405036397' post='9676809']
Poker chips never bother anyone -- until you actually hit one. Then it might as well be a doorstop. Whenever a poker chip user is anywhere near my expected line, I'll have them move it even further, till it's ridiculously out of my way.
[/quote]

+1, no poker chips anywhere near anyones line, no poker chips within 10' of hole, how about "small coin or other similar object" per Rule 20-1. How about nothing larger than a penny? Or put on your rally hat, gangbanger shorts and use a poker chip.
[/quote]

So a poker chip couldn't possibly fit into "small coin or other similar object"?

Get off my lawn!
[/quote]


No. You ever see a pro on any tour using a poker chip to mark there ball?

[JimNewton]

The thing about the rules is they use the word SHOULD instead of MUST. So they might as well not even mention it. But you should use a coin to be a nice guy.

And your'e right, I don't think you'll see a poker chip on tour... not that I am aware of.

[bruinsPATSirish]

[quote name='hiflyer51' timestamp='1405089340' post='9680229']
[quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1405083789' post='9679561']
[quote name='hiflyer51' timestamp='1405044631' post='9677497']
[quote name='dmblanch' timestamp='1405036397' post='9676809']
Poker chips never bother anyone -- until you actually hit one. Then it might as well be a doorstop. Whenever a poker chip user is anywhere near my expected line, I'll have them move it even further, till it's ridiculously out of my way.
[/quote]

+1, no poker chips anywhere near anyones line, no poker chips within 10' of hole, how about "small coin or other similar object" per Rule 20-1. How about nothing larger than a penny? Or put on your rally hat, gangbanger shorts and use a poker chip.
[/quote]

So a poker chip couldn't possibly fit into "small coin or other similar object"?

Get off my lawn!
[/quote]


No. You ever see a pro on any tour using a poker chip to mark there ball?
[/quote]

Can't recall seeing one no, but I also can't recall ever seeing a pro do or use a lot of things that most golfers do. Again, it should be a non issue. If it is on your line or mentally incapacitating you in its current position, just ask them to move it.

[mrbandit]

I used a Yankees poker chip.. if is on the players eye site.I move it to which ever side is best.. had no one complain yet..

[mr_divots]

[quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1405090387' post='9680399']
[quote name='hiflyer51' timestamp='1405089340' post='9680229']
[quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1405083789' post='9679561']
[quote name='hiflyer51' timestamp='1405044631' post='9677497']
[quote name='dmblanch' timestamp='1405036397' post='9676809']
Poker chips never bother anyone -- until you actually hit one. Then it might as well be a doorstop. Whenever a poker chip user is anywhere near my expected line, I'll have them move it even further, till it's ridiculously out of my way.
[/quote]

+1, no poker chips anywhere near anyones line, no poker chips within 10' of hole, how about "small coin or other similar object" per Rule 20-1. How about nothing larger than a penny? Or put on your rally hat, gangbanger shorts and use a poker chip.
[/quote]

So a poker chip couldn't possibly fit into "small coin or other similar object"?

Get off my lawn!
[/quote]


No. You ever see a pro on any tour using a poker chip to mark there ball?
[/quote]

Can't recall seeing one no, but I also can't recall ever seeing a pro do or use a lot of things that most golfers do. Again, it should be a non issue. If it is on your line or[b] mentally incapacitating you[/b] in its current position, just ask them to move it.
[/quote]
What is it about using a poker chip that makes people insinutate such things? Like you're being "unreasonable" if you don't like a large lump of plastic near your line. If it elicits this much dialogue, I think its probably safe to say err to the side of being courteous and not do it. Kinda the position I'd take on playing music on the course, etc. Again, its about not infringing on OTHERS' experience, not if they must conform to your practices on course and have to be OK with it, lest they be deemed "mentally fragile."

And like other things that probably shouldn't be done on course, there is a lengthy justification to be given as to why it is OK and its the problem of OTHERS if they don't like it. Used to be, you didn't infringe on OTHERS experience. It was part of the ettiquette. Every stupid little annoyance we add just takes us further away from that premise to a decidedly "iGolf" mindset. Little things add up over time.

[az2au]

[quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1405090387' post='9680399']

Can't recall seeing one no, but I also can't recall ever seeing a pro do or use a lot of things that most golfers do. Again, it should be a non issue. If it is on your line or mentally incapacitating you in its current position, just ask them to move it.
[/quote]
Mostly because there used to be a local rule on the tour requiring use of a small coin. As far as I can tell it is no longer one of the local rules. I know David Feherty tells the story of getting fined for using his hotel key.

I seriously have no idea how anyone would really notice or why anyone would notice or care. I always find stuff like this interesting as I wonder what kind of things I might do that would drive someone insane. Since basically nothing bothers me (talk in my backswing, jingle change, walk in my line, etc, etc, I don't care as it has no actual impact) I tend to err the other way on this stuff and do everything in my power to avoid the things that bother people.

[mdgboxx]

And, all this time, I'm thinking: Cabin Fever Season is long over with!

Is it ?????

[bruinsPATSirish]

I mean if a poker chip is going to bother someone that much, should I also just stand off the green too? What's about my towel and wedge sitting over there too? Sheesh...

[ThunderBuzzworth]

[quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1405106108' post='9682105']
I mean if a poker chip is going to bother someone that much, should I also just stand off the green too? What's about my towel and wedge sitting over there too? Sheesh...
[/quote]
I really don't like the sound of your irons clanking together. I demand that iron covers be used immediately haha.

[mr_divots]

[quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1405106108' post='9682105']
I mean if a poker chip is going to bother someone that much, should I also just stand off the green too? What's about my towel and wedge sitting over there too? Sheesh...
[/quote]
See? Anyone that doesn't see the world YOUR WAY is now "unreasonable" given the examples you think are tantamount to the poker chip thing.
Having some basic ETTIQUETTE and removing the "will this bother people or won't it" before the round even starts is your own duty to self-police.
Gentlemen, please try to make it back into a gentlemen's game. Thank you.

[bruinsPATSirish]

[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1405117432' post='9683175'][quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1405106108' post='9682105']
I mean if a poker chip is going to bother someone that much, should I also just stand off the green too? What's about my towel and wedge sitting over there too? Sheesh...
[/quote]
See? Anyone that doesn't see the world YOUR WAY is now "unreasonable" given the examples you think are tantamount to the poker chip thing.
Having some basic ETTIQUETTE and removing the "will this bother people or won't it" before the round even starts is your own duty to self-police.
Gentlemen, please try to make it back into a gentlemen's game. Thank you.[/quote]

Turning a poker chip into a big to do about etiquette is a fairly large leap. I was being sarcastic I know that doesn't translate well on the internet. I've said it before and it still apple; someone's ball mark should not be an issue. I would never think something so small would be an issue. It certainly isn't in my regular group, as almost all of us use or have used a poker chip to mark our balls.

[mr_divots]

Why doesn't the group use quarters? Or dimes? Or ball markers from the pro shop? Or from the back of your gloves?
Why are such decisions now made in groups?
What is so cool about poker chips to choose to defend them so?

Your large poker chip draws some people's eye to it instead of the spot or line they are trying to focus on. Much more than smaller objects. Is this really up for debate?
Just like if you stand behind someone while putting, their eye is drawn to them.
I often have to ask people to not stand behind me while hitting on the course.
It's not if someone is or is not "too picky" or whatnot, its making them have to say something to you if they find it distracting.
Taking away possible distractions is courtesy and ettiquette.
Be the first in the group to go back to a quarter. Do it.

[hiflyer51]

[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1405118154' post='9683231']
Why doesn't the group use quarters? Or dimes? Or ball markers from the pro shop? Or from the back of your gloves?
Why are such decisions now made in groups?
What is so cool about poker chips to choose to defend them so?

Your large poker chip draws some people's eye to it instead of the spot or line they are trying to focus on. Much more than smaller objects. Is this really up for debate?
Just like if you stand behind someone while putting, their eye is drawn to them.
I often have to ask people to not stand behind me while hitting on the course.
It's not if someone is or is not "too picky" or whatnot, its making them have to say something to you if they find it distracting.
Taking away possible distractions is courtesy and ettiquette.
Be the first in the group to go back to a quarter. Do it.
[/quote]

+1

[bruinsPATSirish]

[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1405118154' post='9683231']Why doesn't the group use quarters? Or dimes? Or ball markers from the pro shop? Or from the back of your gloves?
Why are such decisions now made in groups?
What is so cool about poker chips to choose to defend them so?[/quote]

I could care less is anyone thinks it is cool. Personally I collect them from all of the new courses I play. I have done it for a few years now and, once again, using one has never been an issue.

You do realize it has been said multiple times that a smaller coin is usually kept in case you're close to the hole. It's not like I am throwing down a dinner plate when I have a 1 footer. Again, it blows my mind that a poker chip can be such a polarizing topic

[ThunderBuzzworth]

[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1405118154' post='9683231']
Why doesn't the group use quarters? Or dimes? Or ball markers from the pro shop? Or from the back of your gloves?
Why are such decisions now made in groups?
What is so cool about poker chips to choose to defend them so?

Your large poker chip draws some people's eye to it instead of the spot or line they are trying to focus on. Much more than smaller objects. Is this really up for debate?
Just like if you stand behind someone while putting, their eye is drawn to them.
I often have to ask people to not stand behind me while hitting on the course.
It's not if someone is or is not "too picky" or whatnot, its making them have to say something to you if they find it distracting.
Taking away possible distractions is courtesy and ettiquette.
Be the first in the group to go back to a quarter. Do it.
[/quote]
If your attention is drawn away from the task at hand so easily by things around you I couldn't imagine playing a round in your group. You sound like the guy that backs off every shot if a bird chirps 50 yards away across the street. You could never play in a round of golf with spectators if nobody can stand behind you without your attention being drawn to them.

Once again... If someone put a quarter down directly in your line, would you attempt to putt over it? The answer is NO. Anything in your direct line to the hole can and will knock your ball offline so why risk it? The point is: if you are going to have a player move their mark anyways then why does it matter if it is a poker chip or a dime?

Have you ever heard someone ask if a mark was okay and other player respond "if I hit your mark it would have had no chance anyways". If you're missing your intended line by that much maybe you should work on your green reading skills and your putting before you complain about another players choice of spot.

[ceasterb]

[quote name='Redhill' timestamp='1404976759' post='9671457']
I've seen some comments on another thread about how Tom Weiskopf allegedly chewed out a amateur in a pro-am for using a quarter instead of apparently the more common penny.

I've played with guys that have used poker chips from Vegas, 50 cent size neon green plastic ones, and shiny dimes....none of them seem to bother me as I am more involved with trying to figure out the line and speed of my putt.

I can see some advantages from the bigger markers as I have had many fellow players step in my line about 1-2 feet from the hole simply because they either didn't know to not step in the line or did not see the marker. Most likely the latter. Lately I've kind of summed up the guys that I'm playing with that day as to how aware they are of other's putting lines on the green. If they seem to be knowledgeable about those courtesies I will use a dime....in not I will use a 50cent piece to help them see where I am at.

What size marker do you use? Does it bother you when someone in your group uses a large marker?
[/quote]
I am currently using a one dollar coin from Barbados. It's probably abut the size of a quarter, but is not totally round. Great look and about right size wise. I am also not opposed to using poker chips and larger sized marks.

[etakmit]

I don't care myself. Use a poker chip if you want just make sure it's not near someone's line. A mishit from them and now you've caused a problem


Sent from my iPhone using GolfWRX Mobile

[farmer]

I have no problem with any marker if the owner is willing to move it out of my line. That is the etiquette issue, not the object. I've played with guys using poker chips, all kinds of coins, including an old Mexican silver peso with all the markings worn off.

[mr_divots]

[quote name='ThunderBuzzworth' timestamp='1405122155' post='9683513']
[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1405118154' post='9683231']
Why doesn't the group use quarters? Or dimes? Or ball markers from the pro shop? Or from the back of your gloves?
Why are such decisions now made in groups?
What is so cool about poker chips to choose to defend them so?

Your large poker chip draws some people's eye to it instead of the spot or line they are trying to focus on. Much more than smaller objects. Is this really up for debate?
Just like if you stand behind someone while putting, their eye is drawn to them.
I often have to ask people to not stand behind me while hitting on the course.
It's not if someone is or is not "too picky" or whatnot, its making them have to say something to you if they find it distracting.
Taking away possible distractions is courtesy and ettiquette.
Be the first in the group to go back to a quarter. Do it.
[/quote]
If your attention is drawn away from the task at hand so easily by things around you I couldn't imagine playing a round in your group. You sound like the guy that backs off every shot if a bird chirps 50 yards away across the street. You could never play in a round of golf with spectators if nobody can stand behind you without your attention being drawn to them.

Once again... If someone put a quarter down directly in your line, would you attempt to putt over it? The answer is NO. Anything in your direct line to the hole can and will knock your ball offline so why risk it? The point is: if you are going to have a player move their mark anyways then why does it matter if it is a poker chip or a dime?

Have you ever heard someone ask if a mark was okay and other player respond[b] "if I hit your mark it would have had no chance anyways". If you're missing your intended line by that much maybe you should work on your green reading skills and your putting before you complain about another players choice of spot.[/b]
[/quote]
I've uttered that same thing [i]countless[/i] times during rounds. Its not like I'm freaking out on people on the course if they use a poker chip. I've just found them kind of big if in the vicinity of one's line. Ease up there, green lad.

[JimNewton]

[quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1405106108' post='9682105']
I mean if a poker chip is going to bother someone that much, should I also just stand off the green too? What's about my towel and wedge sitting over there too? Sheesh...
[/quote]

A towel? Don't even think about it bro. If I hit that I'm gonna miss.

[bruinsPATSirish]

[quote name='ThunderBuzzworth' timestamp='1405122155' post='9683513']
[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1405118154' post='9683231']
Why doesn't the group use quarters? Or dimes? Or ball markers from the pro shop? Or from the back of your gloves?
Why are such decisions now made in groups?
What is so cool about poker chips to choose to defend them so?

Your large poker chip draws some people's eye to it instead of the spot or line they are trying to focus on. Much more than smaller objects. Is this really up for debate?
Just like if you stand behind someone while putting, their eye is drawn to them.
I often have to ask people to not stand behind me while hitting on the course.
It's not if someone is or is not "too picky" or whatnot, its making them have to say something to you if they find it distracting.
Taking away possible distractions is courtesy and ettiquette.
Be the first in the group to go back to a quarter. Do it.
[/quote]
If your attention is drawn away from the task at hand so easily by things around you I couldn't imagine playing a round in your group. You sound like the guy that backs off every shot if a bird chirps 50 yards away across the street. You could never play in a round of golf with spectators if nobody can stand behind you without your attention being drawn to them.

Once again... If someone put a quarter down directly in your line, would you attempt to putt over it? The answer is NO. Anything in your direct line to the hole can and will knock your ball offline so why risk it? The point is: if you are going to have a player move their mark anyways then why does it matter if it is a poker chip or a dime?

Have you ever heard someone ask if a mark was okay and other player respond "if I hit your mark it would have had no chance anyways". If you're missing your intended line by that much maybe you should work on your green reading skills and your putting before you complain about another players choice of spot.
[/quote]

Nail, meet head.

I played in a Pro Am last year which was my first tournament with actual spectators and it was definitely an experience compared to most any other tournament golf I had played. You don't realize how much different until you play with it.

A poker chip was the last thing I was worried about...

[dffjunior]

[quote name='hiflyer51' timestamp='1405089340' post='9680229']
[quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1405083789' post='9679561']
[quote name='hiflyer51' timestamp='1405044631' post='9677497']
[quote name='dmblanch' timestamp='1405036397' post='9676809']
Poker chips never bother anyone -- until you actually hit one. Then it might as well be a doorstop. Whenever a poker chip user is anywhere near my expected line, I'll have them move it even further, till it's ridiculously out of my way.
[/quote]

+1, no poker chips anywhere near anyones line, no poker chips within 10' of hole, how about "small coin or other similar object" per Rule 20-1. How about nothing larger than a penny? Or put on your rally hat, gangbanger shorts and use a poker chip.
[/quote]

So a poker chip couldn't possibly fit into "small coin or other similar object"?

Get off my lawn!
[/quote]


No. You ever see a pro on any tour using a poker chip to mark there ball?
[/quote]

Next time we play a tour event together I'll make sure I clear my marker with you first.

Get your panties unbunched man. This elitist attitude left the game somewhere around 1995. Unless you're playing in a formal event or environment this is an absurd expectation to have. Just ask people to move it and move along.

Oh, and rule 20-1 requires no such thing:

[b] 20-1/16[/b]

[b] Method Used to Mark Position of Ball[/b]

Q.The Note to Rule [url="http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Rule-20/#20-1"]20-1[/url] provides that "the position of a ball to be lifted should be marked by placing a ball-marker, a small coin or other similar object immediately behind the ball." Is a player penalized if he uses an object that is not similar to a ball-marker or small coin to mark the position of his ball?

A.No. The provision in the Note to Rule [url="http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Rule-20/#20-1"]20-1[/url] is a recommendation of best practice, but there is no penalty for failing to act in accordance with the Note.

[mr_divots]

[quote name='dffjunior' timestamp='1405189122' post='9687269']
[quote name='hiflyer51' timestamp='1405089340' post='9680229']
[quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1405083789' post='9679561']
[quote name='hiflyer51' timestamp='1405044631' post='9677497']
[quote name='dmblanch' timestamp='1405036397' post='9676809']
Poker chips never bother anyone -- until you actually hit one. Then it might as well be a doorstop. Whenever a poker chip user is anywhere near my expected line, I'll have them move it even further, till it's ridiculously out of my way.
[/quote]

+1, no poker chips anywhere near anyones line, no poker chips within 10' of hole, how about "small coin or other similar object" per Rule 20-1. How about nothing larger than a penny? Or put on your rally hat, gangbanger shorts and use a poker chip.
[/quote]

So a poker chip couldn't possibly fit into "small coin or other similar object"?

Get off my lawn!
[/quote]


No. You ever see a pro on any tour using a poker chip to mark there ball?
[/quote]

Next time we play a tour event together I'll make sure I clear my marker with you first.

Get your panties unbunched man. This elitist attitude left the game somewhere around 1995. Unless you're playing in a formal event or environment this is an absurd expectation to have. Just ask people to move it and move along.

Oh, and rule 20-1 requires no such thing:

[b] 20-1/16[/b]

[b] Method Used to Mark Position of Ball[/b]

Q.The Note to Rule [url="http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Rule-20/#20-1"]20-1[/url] provides that "the position of a ball to be lifted should be marked by placing a ball-marker, a [b]small coin or other similar object[/b] immediately behind the ball." Is a player penalized if he uses an object that is not similar to a ball-marker or small coin to mark the position of his ball?

A.No. The provision in the Note to Rule [url="http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Rule-20/#20-1"]20-1[/url] is a recommendation of best practice, but there is no penalty for failing to act in accordance with the Note.
[/quote]
But they did make the bother of mentioning a SMALL object like a coin.

"Elitist" is deeming your own behavior acceptable and expecting others to like it. So by that definition, yes, using that chip is elitist. Again, we have to ask you to move your chip that is in no way imperative to the enjoyment of a round of golf. And if it is, we're still waiting to hear WHY. So please, anyone, enlighten us on the importance of poker chips to the point you start telling people to unwad their panties. These poker chips are waaaay more important than we ever realized!

[dffjunior]

[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1405197833' post='9687879']But they did make the bother of mentioning a SMALL object like a coin.[/quote]

They also mention it's just a recommendation. It's just playing with semantics, but you already knew that. To claim a poker chip isn't similar to a small coin is disingenuous at best and trolling in the worst case. The recommendation first cites "a ball marker" - go ahead define that for me.

[quote]"Elitist" is deeming your own behavior acceptable and expecting others to like it.So by that definition, yes, using that chip is elitist. [/quote]

So it's ok for you to deem my behavior unacceptable, but not for me to deem it acceptable? Double standard much?

I was referring to the elitist attitude displayed by citing the behavior of touring pros as what's acceptable in a casual round of golf, but you already knew that too. No one is expecting you to like anything. Just don't be a jerk about something so trivial.

[quote]Again, we have to ask you to move your chip that is in no way imperative to the enjoyment of a round of golf. And if it is, we're still waiting to hear WHY. So please, anyone, enlighten us on the importance of poker chips to the point you start telling people to unwad their panties. These poker chips are waaaay more important than we ever realized![/quote]

As opposed to asking me to move a dime that is in no way imperative to the enjoyment of a round of golf.

If a poker chip is around your intended line, a quarter will be too. And a dime will only be 3/8" farther from your line than my poker chip will be. [b]Three eighths of an inch.[/b] So if you're asking me to move my poker chip, you'd be asking me to move my dime too.

Why we use it is irrelevant. There's no clause or rule that only allows stuff with a cool backstory. There's nothing that states I must satisfy the curiosity of every person I play with. I don't ask why you use that particular small coin or similar object you choose to use, why must you know my reason? If your dime is in my line I'll ask you to move it and proceed. Why not extend me the same courtesy?

[upon3]

I have seen the poker chips around in the pro shops and couldn't figure out why people would want these from a golf course. I figured they were collectible trinkets like logo house balls. Geesh, now I know. I always felt quarters were too large for ball markers, and now guys are [i]really[/i] using poker chips? Ok then.

So on one hand, you have guys who use poker chips who think it is perfectly acceptable, and that if you think it's too big, then that's your problem—you probably suck anyway. Then on the other hand, you have the golf police using rulers to measure the size of your ball marker to determine if it falls under the galactic rules and intent of the game.

Way to suck the fun out of a great game. Can't we just be courteous to other players around you and try not to impose on their game?

[mdgboxx]

WRXers use Poker Chips b/c they are sold in our very own SWAG Store. End of discussion! :-)

[dffjunior]

[quote name='upon3' timestamp='1405213679' post='9689085'], and that if you think it's too big, then that's your problem—you probably suck anyway. [/quote]

No one here has said any such thing.

[Redhill]

I was in my LGS store and noticed that they had a dish at the front checkout that had some Srixon poker chips in it that they gave you if you bought a Srixon product that were black and yellow.

One of the guys that works there said that they just gave away the last of the Mizuno poker chips but were expecting some more in soon.

Seems like some of the manufacturers are getting behind the poker chip movement. Interesting.

[birdiemachine11]

Don't mind any size, I use a larger Club Car ball marker often, myself.