Whats the deal with poker chips?

[Bonhomme Richard]

Sticking a tee in the green is less obtrusive than a poker chip.

[bigred90gt]

NB, along with the Blacks, I’m considering sending you some poker chips too. We’ll get you converted!��

 

I gotta say, the last one that a golf store tossed in my bag as a freebie went in the wastebasket along with the receipt and the shrinkwrap.

 

Let me ask this entirely straight up. Just a speculation that I have no idea whether it even makes sense.

 

Is the fascination with poker chips as an alternative to normal ball markers anything at all to do with gambling? Do people who mark their ball with poker chips really like playing poker or going to casinos or that kind of thing? Is it just a sort of sentimental connection to another favorite activity that you bring along when playing golf?

 

For instance, whenever I'm playing a group and need to mark my ball I put my late father's initials on with a Sharpie. It's not any sort of superstition about playing better or whatever. It's just if I need to see something on my ball every time I tee it up or mark it on the green, it kind of makes me happy to be reminded of my daddy for a moment.

 

I keep wondering where the whole idea of marking your ball with a poker chip got started. And it just occurred to me that maybe seeing a poker chip makes people happy because they like to be reminded of their upcoming trip to Vegas or something.

 

I bought mine at Princeville in Hawaii about a month before they closed to the public for rebuilding back in 2014. I use it because it is easy to see and easy to get out of my pocket, but most importantly I use it simply because I like it. The best part about me liking it, is that I don’t really care if others don’t. If that makes me a bad person, or rude, or lacking etiquette, or whatever else you want to say, so be it. I completely and totally disagree. It’s just a coin (or dabloon, or chip, or whatever you call an object of that general shape) to mark a ball.

[soregongolfer]

NB, along with the Blacks, I'm considering sending you some poker chips too. We'll get you converted!��

 

I gotta say, the last one that a golf store tossed in my bag as a freebie went in the wastebasket along with the receipt and the shrinkwrap.

 

Let me ask this entirely straight up. Just a speculation that I have no idea whether it even makes sense.

 

Is the fascination with poker chips as an alternative to normal ball markers anything at all to do with gambling? Do people who mark their ball with poker chips really like playing poker or going to casinos or that kind of thing? Is it just a sort of sentimental connection to another favorite activity that you bring along when playing golf?

 

For instance, whenever I'm playing a group and need to mark my ball I put my late father's initials on with a Sharpie. It's not any sort of superstition about playing better or whatever. It's just if I need to see something on my ball every time I tee it up or mark it on the green, it kind of makes me happy to be reminded of my daddy for a moment.

 

I keep wondering where the whole idea of marking your ball with a poker chip got started. And it just occurred to me that maybe seeing a poker chip makes people happy because they like to be reminded of their upcoming trip to Vegas or something.

 

I bought mine at Princeville in Hawaii about a month before they closed to the public for rebuilding back in 2014. I use it because it is easy to see and easy to get out of my pocket, but most importantly I use it simply because I like it. The best part about me liking it, is that I don't really care if others don't. If that makes me a bad person, or rude, or lacking etiquette, or whatever else you want to say, so be it. I completely and totally disagree. It's just a coin (or dabloon, or chip, or whatever you call an object of that general shape) to mark a ball.

 

I don't gamble and have roughly 25 poker chips in my bag from various golf courses on the west coast. Yes, I said golf courses as most of the nicer ones I've been to sell them. I doubt they sell them to use down at the local casino.

[soregongolfer]

On a long putt with a lot of break, you putt may go way off line and go over someones marker

 

If you use a little plastic one that sticks into the ground, the ball will roll right over it

 

If you you a giant poke chip, golf tee, can of skoal etc, it will stop the ball

why would you want to stop someone's ball , unless you are an word not allowed?

 

Personally, I view those little plastic ones as cheap and something a hack would use along with his stroke counting beads. Different strokes I guess. Also, I've never seen a poker chip stop a ball. Lots of hyperbole there me thinks.

[Steeltown1]

I kinda chuckle every time I see the title/question of this thread. It's like I can only hear it being read in the voice of the late Andy Rooney from 60 Minutes fame after he's just got done complaining about plastic water bottles or something and then says, "And what's the deal with poker chips?"

 

Nuff said?

[Lancj1]

Although the rule book offers a suggestion to use a "small coin or similar object," it is clear in that I can use whatever I want. If whatever I use is in your way, ask and I'll move it out of your way.

 

The rule book doesn't say you can't tread on someone's "through line" or belch loudly during the middle of their backswing. We still refrain from doing those things because a) there's no need to do so and b) if we did it would likely annoy or distract someone.

 

Again with the etiquette thing. Let it go; you're way too sensitive about this.

 

Note: 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. If the ball-marker interferes with the play, stance

or stroke of another player, it should be placed one or more clubhead-lengths to one side.

 

 

All there, in the rules (20)

[bigred90gt]

Although the rule book offers a suggestion to use a "small coin or similar object," it is clear in that I can use whatever I want. If whatever I use is in your way, ask and I'll move it out of your way.

 

The rule book doesn't say you can't tread on someone's "through line" or belch loudly during the middle of their backswing. We still refrain from doing those things because a) there's no need to do so and b) if we did it would likely annoy or distract someone.

 

Again with the etiquette thing. Let it go; you're way too sensitive about this.

 

Note: 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. If the ball-marker interferes with the play, stance

or stroke of another player, it should be placed one or more clubhead-lengths to one side.

 

 

All there, in the rules (20)

 

Just to share the whole picture:

 

20-1/16

Method Used to Mark Position of Ball

Q. The Note to Rule 20-1 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 20-1 is a recommendation of best practice, but there is no penalty for failing to act in accordance with the Note.

Examples of methods of marking the position of a ball that are not recommended, but are permissible, are as follows:

• placing the toe of a club at the side of, or behind, the ball;

• using a tee;

• using a loose impediment;

• scratching a line, provided the putting green is not tested (Rule 16-1d) and a line of putt is not indicated (Rule 8-2b). As this practice may cause damage to the putting green, it is discouraged.

 

 

I’m gonna say a poker chip is closer to the original intent of the rule than any of the other items or methods noted as acceptable in the decision.

[bigred90gt]

And just so people can stop clamoring g on about how poker chips equal lack of etiquette, this is straight from the etiquette section with regards to the putting green.

 

On the Putting Green

On the putting green, players should not stand on another player’s line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

 

Not a single mention of obliging stupid requests with regards to replacing a ball marker because it is distracting simply by it’s presence on the green, though not in the line of putt.

[halliedog]

And just so people can stop clamoring g on about how poker chips equal lack of etiquette, this is straight from the etiquette section with regards to the putting green.

 

On the Putting Green

On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

 

Not a single mention of obliging stupid requests with regards to replacing a ball marker because it is distracting simply by it's presence on the green, though not in the line of putt.

 

Can't believe this hasn't been locked up yet, but it's not, so I'll bite:

 

I don't care what you mark with, as long as it's not in MY intended line or visually distracting to me. Where I can see this becoming a problem is if I have a putt, you as an opponent have NO IDEA where I'm aiming and what speed I'm hitting it, so if I ask you to replace it with something better suited or move it 4 club lengths to the left so I don't even have to think about it, are you offended?

 

And after me asking 3 holes in row for you to move it 4 club lengths left or right, wouldn't you get the point that I find it distracting and switch to something else (even ask for a coin)? Isn't that what etiquette is all about - making the people you are with more comfortable? Or are you not concerned so much with etiquette so much as having the right to do whatever you feel like?

 

I agree the old codger shouldn't have just replaced the guy's chip with a coin and made a snide remark, but it doesn't need to lead to hurt feelings. If you need the chip, for whatever reason, just accept the fact that you got your way by being allowed to use it, but I'm getting mine by having you move it every single hole - seems like a simple solution?

[BIG STU]

I play with about 4 different groups and no one in any of the groups has ever said anything about poker chips. If we have someone new or I am pared with tourists when playing single I do ask. I have never ever had anyone say anything about a poker chip marker.

[deadsolid...shank]

And just so people can stop clamoring g on about how poker chips equal lack of etiquette, this is straight from the etiquette section with regards to the putting green.

 

On the Putting Green

On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

 

Not a single mention of obliging stupid requests with regards to replacing a ball marker because it is distracting simply by it's presence on the green, though not in the line of putt.

 

Can't believe this hasn't been locked up yet, but it's not, so I'll bite:

 

I don't care what you mark with, as long as it's not in MY intended line or visually distracting to me. Where I can see this becoming a problem is if I have a putt, you as an opponent have NO IDEA where I'm aiming and what speed I'm hitting it, so if I ask you to replace it with something better suited or move it 4 club lengths to the left so I don't even have to think about it, are you offended?

 

And after me asking 3 holes in row for you to move it 4 club lengths left or right, wouldn't you get the point that I find it distracting and switch to something else (even ask for a coin)? Isn't that what etiquette is all about - making the people you are with more comfortable? Or are you not concerned so much with etiquette so much as having the right to do whatever you feel like?

 

I agree the old codger shouldn't have just replaced the guy's chip with a coin and made a snide remark, but it doesn't need to lead to hurt feelings. If you need the chip, for whatever reason, just accept the fact that you got your way by being allowed to use it, but I'm getting mine by having you move it every single hole - seems like a simple solution?

 

If for three holes in row you be asked me to move my mark four club lengths I'm going to think you're a giant PITA and I'll be done interacting with you as much as possible.

 

And yes, I'll probably change to a coin. But not out of consideration to you, just so I don't have to deal with your issues any longer.

 

But I guess at that point you will have won, since the poker chip is gone.

[Togatown22]

 

 

Can't believe this hasn't been locked up yet, but it's not, so I'll bite:

 

I don't care what you mark with, as long as it's not in MY intended line or visually distracting to me. Where I can see this becoming a problem is if I have a putt, you as an opponent have NO IDEA where I'm aiming and what speed I'm hitting it, so if I ask you to replace it with something better suited or move it 4 club lengths to the left so I don't even have to think about it, are you offended?

 

And after me asking 3 holes in row for you to move it 4 club lengths left or right, wouldn't you get the point that I find it distracting and switch to something else (even ask for a coin)? Isn't that what etiquette is all about - making the people you are with more comfortable? Or are you not concerned so much with etiquette so much as having the right to do whatever you feel like?

 

I agree the old codger shouldn't have just replaced the guy's chip with a coin and made a snide remark, but it doesn't need to lead to hurt feelings. If you need the chip, for whatever reason, just accept the fact that you got your way by being allowed to use it, but I'm getting mine by having you move it every single hole - seems like a simple solution?

 

I don't agree that etiquette involves making my fellow competitors (or friends, or strangers, or whomever I'm playing with) more comfortable with my ball marker of choice. Proper etiquette,as it pertains to ball markers, is to move it when asked, be prompt, be courteous, and make sure you put your marker back before you putt. If you asked me on all 18 holes to move my poker chip 4 club lengths out of your way, I would do it every time in the manner I described above. Why would there be any more to it than that? It seems like only the guys who don't like poker chips (the ones who's feelings actually seem to be hurt here) think there should be more action involved.

[dan360]

No just easily annoyed.

 

Then distracted by being annoyed, maybe.

 

There's one irascible old coot in our weekend group who doesn't much care for the poker chip thing (among many others). A new guy maybe 30 years old joined us one Saturday and had the really big, thick poker chip. The kind so big I can't imagine anyone would use them in an actual poker game.

 

Plops it down on the first green more or less vaguely in irascible old coot's line. The old guy walked over, replaced the "poker chip" with a penny, tossed it to the young guy and said, "You can keep the penny, I've got a pocket full".

 

Moral of the story: the old guy was a dick?

 

In the millennial version of the book, yes.

[soregongolfer]

And just so people can stop clamoring g on about how poker chips equal lack of etiquette, this is straight from the etiquette section with regards to the putting green.

 

On the Putting Green

On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

 

Not a single mention of obliging stupid requests with regards to replacing a ball marker because it is distracting simply by it's presence on the green, though not in the line of putt.

 

Can't believe this hasn't been locked up yet, but it's not, so I'll bite:

 

I don't care what you mark with, as long as it's not in MY intended line or visually distracting to me. Where I can see this becoming a problem is if I have a putt, you as an opponent have NO IDEA where I'm aiming and what speed I'm hitting it, so if I ask you to replace it with something better suited or move it 4 club lengths to the left so I don't even have to think about it, are you offended?

 

And after me asking 3 holes in row for you to move it 4 club lengths left or right, wouldn't you get the point that I find it distracting and switch to something else (even ask for a coin)? Isn't that what etiquette is all about - making the people you are with more comfortable? Or are you not concerned so much with etiquette so much as having the right to do whatever you feel like?

 

I agree the old codger shouldn't have just replaced the guy's chip with a coin and made a snide remark, but it doesn't need to lead to hurt feelings. If you need the chip, for whatever reason, just accept the fact that you got your way by being allowed to use it, but I'm getting mine by having you move it every single hole - seems like a simple solution?

 

If for three holes in row you be asked me to move my mark four club lengths I'm going to think you're a giant PITA and I'll be done interacting with you as much as possible.

 

 

Bingo. I have to think anybody who asks me to move my marker four club lengths was being an a** and that would last two holes at best before there was a confrontation.

 

This past weekend, I played in a tournament where one of the guys expected everybody to exit the green so he could putt. I had been warned about him prior to the round. After the first hole, I told him privately that my team would not exit the green anymore and his request was ridiculous and would be ignored in the future. No issues after that. He was friendly and talkative the whole round.

[bigred90gt]

And just so people can stop clamoring g on about how poker chips equal lack of etiquette, this is straight from the etiquette section with regards to the putting green.

 

On the Putting Green

On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

 

Not a single mention of obliging stupid requests with regards to replacing a ball marker because it is distracting simply by it's presence on the green, though not in the line of putt.

 

Can't believe this hasn't been locked up yet, but it's not, so I'll bite:

 

I don't care what you mark with, as long as it's not in MY intended line or visually distracting to me. Where I can see this becoming a problem is if I have a putt, you as an opponent have NO IDEA where I'm aiming and what speed I'm hitting it, so if I ask you to replace it with something better suited or move it 4 club lengths to the left so I don't even have to think about it, are you offended?

 

And after me asking 3 holes in row for you to move it 4 club lengths left or right, wouldn't you get the point that I find it distracting and switch to something else (even ask for a coin)? Isn't that what etiquette is all about - making the people you are with more comfortable? Or are you not concerned so much with etiquette so much as having the right to do whatever you feel like?

 

I agree the old codger shouldn't have just replaced the guy's chip with a coin and made a snide remark, but it doesn't need to lead to hurt feelings. If you need the chip, for whatever reason, just accept the fact that you got your way by being allowed to use it, but I'm getting mine by having you move it every single hole - seems like a simple solution?

 

If you need me to move it 4 club lengths, it wasn’t in your line in the first place, so it goes back where it originally was. So, there wouldn’t be 3 holes of me moving it 4 club lengths away.

 

If you ask me to move it 4 clubheads to the right, than 1 clubhead to the left would be sufficient, so that’s where it would go.

 

We’re all golfers, we can see breaks and we all know how to putt, or we wouldn’t be playing a match.

[Bad9]

And just so people can stop clamoring g on about how poker chips equal lack of etiquette, this is straight from the etiquette section with regards to the putting green.

 

On the Putting Green

On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

 

Not a single mention of obliging stupid requests with regards to replacing a ball marker because it is distracting simply by it's presence on the green, though not in the line of putt.

 

Can't believe this hasn't been locked up yet, but it's not, so I'll bite:

 

I don't care what you mark with, as long as it's not in MY intended line or visually distracting to me. Where I can see this becoming a problem is if I have a putt, you as an opponent have NO IDEA where I'm aiming and what speed I'm hitting it, so if I ask you to replace it with something better suited or move it 4 club lengths to the left so I don't even have to think about it, are you offended?

 

And after me asking 3 holes in row for you to move it 4 club lengths left or right, wouldn't you get the point that I find it distracting and switch to something else (even ask for a coin)? Isn't that what etiquette is all about - making the people you are with more comfortable? Or are you not concerned so much with etiquette so much as having the right to do whatever you feel like?

 

I agree the old codger shouldn't have just replaced the guy's chip with a coin and made a snide remark, but it doesn't need to lead to hurt feelings. If you need the chip, for whatever reason, just accept the fact that you got your way by being allowed to use it, but I'm getting mine by having you move it every single hole - seems like a simple solution?

 

4 clubs lengths? Really. 4 club lengths. Wow.

[Shilgy]

And just so people can stop clamoring g on about how poker chips equal lack of etiquette, this is straight from the etiquette section with regards to the putting green.

 

On the Putting Green

On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

 

Not a single mention of obliging stupid requests with regards to replacing a ball marker because it is distracting simply by it's presence on the green, though not in the line of putt.

 

Can't believe this hasn't been locked up yet, but it's not, so I'll bite:

 

I don't care what you mark with, as long as it's not in MY intended line or visually distracting to me. Where I can see this becoming a problem is if I have a putt, you as an opponent have NO IDEA where I'm aiming and what speed I'm hitting it, so if I ask you to replace it with something better suited or move it 4 club lengths to the left so I don't even have to think about it, are you offended?

 

And after me asking 3 holes in row for you to move it 4 club lengths left or right, wouldn't you get the point that I find it distracting and switch to something else (even ask for a coin)? Isn't that what etiquette is all about - making the people you are with more comfortable? Or are you not concerned so much with etiquette so much as having the right to do whatever you feel like?

 

I agree the old codger shouldn't have just replaced the guy's chip with a coin and made a snide remark, but it doesn't need to lead to hurt feelings. If you need the chip, for whatever reason, just accept the fact that you got your way by being allowed to use it, but I'm getting mine by having you move it every single hole - seems like a simple solution?

 

If for three holes in row you be asked me to move my mark four club lengths I'm going to think you're a giant PITA and I'll be done interacting with you as much as possible.

 

And yes, I'll probably change to a coin. But not out of consideration to you, just so I don't have to deal with your issues any longer.

 

But I guess at that point you will have won, since the poker chip is gone.

On the bright side we'd only be playing with this guy once.

[deadsolid...shank]

And just so people can stop clamoring g on about how poker chips equal lack of etiquette, this is straight from the etiquette section with regards to the putting green.

 

On the Putting Green

On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

 

Not a single mention of obliging stupid requests with regards to replacing a ball marker because it is distracting simply by it's presence on the green, though not in the line of putt.

 

Can't believe this hasn't been locked up yet, but it's not, so I'll bite:

 

I don't care what you mark with, as long as it's not in MY intended line or visually distracting to me. Where I can see this becoming a problem is if I have a putt, you as an opponent have NO IDEA where I'm aiming and what speed I'm hitting it, so if I ask you to replace it with something better suited or move it 4 club lengths to the left so I don't even have to think about it, are you offended?

 

And after me asking 3 holes in row for you to move it 4 club lengths left or right, wouldn't you get the point that I find it distracting and switch to something else (even ask for a coin)? Isn't that what etiquette is all about - making the people you are with more comfortable? Or are you not concerned so much with etiquette so much as having the right to do whatever you feel like?

 

I agree the old codger shouldn't have just replaced the guy's chip with a coin and made a snide remark, but it doesn't need to lead to hurt feelings. If you need the chip, for whatever reason, just accept the fact that you got your way by being allowed to use it, but I'm getting mine by having you move it every single hole - seems like a simple solution?

 

If for three holes in row you be asked me to move my mark four club lengths I'm going to think you're a giant PITA and I'll be done interacting with you as much as possible.

 

And yes, I'll probably change to a coin. But not out of consideration to you, just so I don't have to deal with your issues any longer.

 

But I guess at that point you will have won, since the poker chip is gone.

On the bright side we'd only be playing with this guy once.

 

No doubt.

[BNGL]

I use them or challenge coins my dad has given me. Ill just ask them to move it off my line. Played with Rob Oppenheim for a couple rounds in an event two years ago?, and he gave me crap about it, he just laughed and said you kids and the poker chips haha.

[1puttTUT]

Social norms..like being a dick? No reason to be a dick to someone for a movable round piece of plastic...

 

So I guess in retrospect it would have been better for him to say, "Pardon me, kind sir. Would you be so kind as to replace your saucer-sized, annoying hunk of plastic with a smaller, less conspicuous coin or other traditional ball marker? I'll be glad to provide a penny if it would be helpful".

 

Yeah that's exactly what he should have done. Why be a dick for no reason, especially to a stranger?

 

Maybe the 30 year old guy should have taken the old guy's 9-wood and thrown it in the woods because it was distracting.

[1puttTUT]

Nobody is "distracted so they much they can't function like a normal human being". Where did you come up with that.

 

We are "distracted" by somone tossing a huge chunk of plastic down on the green when we're putting. When golfers do thing that distract their playing partners, that is poor etiquette.

 

The whole poker chip thing is no different than jingling change in your pocket, standing in someone's eyeline when they are setting up for a shot or talking while someone is swinging. Yes, we are perfectly capable of ignoring poor etiquette. But we're also capable of telling someone to cut it out.

 

There's a long tradition in golf that if someone you're doing annoys or distracts another player, you stop doing it. Not that such traditions have any place in the game of a music-playing poker-chip narcissist.

 

There's one guy in our group with rabbit ears. He has the uncanny ability to hear someone making the slightest movement anywhere within 50 feet of him and it distracts him. I think he's being mighty sensitive, given that he plays in a group of people who routinely prepare for their shot while other people are hitting. But out of courtesy we all become still as statues for a few seconds when it's that guy's turn to hit. Because that's the etiquette of the game, if someone finds a thing distracting a good golfer will refrain from doing that thing.

 

Your group sounds SUPER fun ?

 

And putting down a poker chip (for the record I don't use one) isn't any more distracting than putting down a penny as long as you do it properly!

[ratspros]

And just so people can stop clamoring g on about how poker chips equal lack of etiquette, this is straight from the etiquette section with regards to the putting green.

 

On the Putting Green

On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

 

Not a single mention of obliging stupid requests with regards to replacing a ball marker because it is distracting simply by it's presence on the green, though not in the line of putt.

 

Can't believe this hasn't been locked up yet, but it's not, so I'll bite:

 

I don't care what you mark with, as long as it's not in MY intended line or visually distracting to me. Where I can see this becoming a problem is if I have a putt, you as an opponent have NO IDEA where I'm aiming and what speed I'm hitting it, so if I ask you to replace it with something better suited or move it 4 club lengths to the left so I don't even have to think about it, are you offended?

 

And after me asking 3 holes in row for you to move it 4 club lengths left or right, wouldn't you get the point that I find it distracting and switch to something else (even ask for a coin)? Isn't that what etiquette is all about - making the people you are with more comfortable? Or are you not concerned so much with etiquette so much as having the right to do whatever you feel like?

 

I agree the old codger shouldn't have just replaced the guy's chip with a coin and made a snide remark, but it doesn't need to lead to hurt feelings. If you need the chip, for whatever reason, just accept the fact that you got your way by being allowed to use it, but I'm getting mine by having you move it every single hole - seems like a simple solution?

 

You’re going to ask someone to move their ball mark 4 club lengths multiple holes in a row for no other reason then to prove a point and you’re questioning anyone’s etiquette on the course. That’s rich.

[Augster]

And just so people can stop clamoring g on about how poker chips equal lack of etiquette, this is straight from the etiquette section with regards to the putting green.

 

On the Putting Green

On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

 

Not a single mention of obliging stupid requests with regards to replacing a ball marker because it is distracting simply by it's presence on the green, though not in the line of putt.

 

Can't believe this hasn't been locked up yet, but it's not, so I'll bite:

 

I don't care what you mark with, as long as it's not in MY intended line or visually distracting to me. Where I can see this becoming a problem is if I have a putt, you as an opponent have NO IDEA where I'm aiming and what speed I'm hitting it, so if I ask you to replace it with something better suited or move it 4 club lengths to the left so I don't even have to think about it, are you offended?

 

And after me asking 3 holes in row for you to move it 4 club lengths left or right, wouldn't you get the point that I find it distracting and switch to something else (even ask for a coin)? Isn't that what etiquette is all about - making the people you are with more comfortable? Or are you not concerned so much with etiquette so much as having the right to do whatever you feel like?

 

I agree the old codger shouldn't have just replaced the guy's chip with a coin and made a snide remark, but it doesn't need to lead to hurt feelings. If you need the chip, for whatever reason, just accept the fact that you got your way by being allowed to use it, but I'm getting mine by having you move it every single hole - seems like a simple solution?

 

You’re going to ask someone to move their ball mark 4 club lengths multiple holes in a row for no other reason then to prove a point and you’re questioning anyone’s etiquette on the course. That’s rich.

 

After the first time being asked to move it more than a putter head or two, I’d elect to just putt out first, standing on Your line, as allowed by the Rules.

 

Rule 22-2 says, in stroke play:

 

“In stroke play, a player required to lift his ball may play first rather than lift the ball.”

 

That’s the Rule.

 

Anytime we are asked to mark our ball because it is in someone’s line, we generally do, and move it out of the way. But the asking opens up 22-2 to allow the marking player to play first. Etiquette be damned.

 

So one needs to weigh how much they want the mark moved vs. getting your line stepped on. Legally. Asking a player to move his mark “4 club lengths” will likely result in the player putting out first and shuffling after it.

 

As a side note, this is the wackiest thing I’ve read on WRX in quite a while and am pretty sure it’s mostly devils advocate/trolling stuff. The whole premise is way past preposterous.

 

 

[2ball]

I use a poker chip as it is easy to fish out of my pocket but if I'm going to be near someone's line then I'll use the coin sized marker on my divot tool.

 

What about just carrying the coin-sized marker? Without the giant poker chip in your pocket, you might be able to easily fish out the coin-sized marker. Heck, you might even have room to carry two coin-sized markers in your pocket. Then you'd have twice as good a chance of being able to fish one of them out of your pocket.

 

I usually have two or three of the teensy little flat plastic ones (dime sized with a little prong sticking out of the back) in my pocket during a round. Specifically to make it easy to grab one in and between the tees. I also end up marking someone else's ball for them at least once or twice a round so having multiple ones is nice.

 

i don't know about the rest of the group on this forum but i dont like it when people mark my ball. I often walk up and wonder where the hell is my ball.

[North Butte]

I use a poker chip as it is easy to fish out of my pocket but if I'm going to be near someone's line then I'll use the coin sized marker on my divot tool.

 

What about just carrying the coin-sized marker? Without the giant poker chip in your pocket, you might be able to easily fish out the coin-sized marker. Heck, you might even have room to carry two coin-sized markers in your pocket. Then you'd have twice as good a chance of being able to fish one of them out of your pocket.

 

I usually have two or three of the teensy little flat plastic ones (dime sized with a little prong sticking out of the back) in my pocket during a round. Specifically to make it easy to grab one in and between the tees. I also end up marking someone else's ball for them at least once or twice a round so having multiple ones is nice.

 

i don't know about the rest of the group on this forum but i dont like it when people mark my ball. I often walk up and wonder where the hell is my ball.

 

Well of course you ask, “Want me to mark that?” before touching their ball, unless it’s one of the regulars in the group who I’ve been playing with for 10+ years.

[PIJoe]

I can't imagine a situation where I would let someone get in my head so badly because of a poker chip that I would let it affect me, my game, strategy, and desire to enjoy myself during a round. I'm kind of at a loss... This stuff really bugs some people this much? It's not even in the spirit of judgement by me, it's more of a "different strokes for different folks" I guess. I just use a dime, but guess I'll stay off the poker chip phase, so I don't get shanked in the parking lot! :lol:

[deadsolid...shank]

I use a poker chip as it is easy to fish out of my pocket but if I'm going to be near someone's line then I'll use the coin sized marker on my divot tool.

 

What about just carrying the coin-sized marker? Without the giant poker chip in your pocket, you might be able to easily fish out the coin-sized marker. Heck, you might even have room to carry two coin-sized markers in your pocket. Then you'd have twice as good a chance of being able to fish one of them out of your pocket.

 

I usually have two or three of the teensy little flat plastic ones (dime sized with a little prong sticking out of the back) in my pocket during a round. Specifically to make it easy to grab one in and between the tees. I also end up marking someone else's ball for them at least once or twice a round so having multiple ones is nice.

 

i don't know about the rest of the group on this forum but i dont like it when people mark my ball. I often walk up and wonder where the hell is my ball.

 

Well of course you ask, “Want me to mark that?” before touching their ball, unless it’s one of the regulars in the group who I’ve been playing with for 10+ years.

 

We mark for someone else quite often within our regular group. If you're already at the green and someone is hitting from a fair distance and their ball ends up needing marked it makes perfect sense to mark it for them. Then while they're walking or riding towards the green the other person can be putting. It's just another small thing that helps with pace.

 

But, like NB said, that is within our regular group. Playing with someone new I wouldn't do it without asking.

[North Butte]

 

What about just carrying the coin-sized marker? Without the giant poker chip in your pocket, you might be able to easily fish out the coin-sized marker. Heck, you might even have room to carry two coin-sized markers in your pocket. Then you'd have twice as good a chance of being able to fish one of them out of your pocket.

 

I usually have two or three of the teensy little flat plastic ones (dime sized with a little prong sticking out of the back) in my pocket during a round. Specifically to make it easy to grab one in and between the tees. I also end up marking someone else's ball for them at least once or twice a round so having multiple ones is nice.

 

i don't know about the rest of the group on this forum but i dont like it when people mark my ball. I often walk up and wonder where the hell is my ball.

 

Well of course you ask, “Want me to mark that?” before touching their ball, unless it’s one of the regulars in the group who I’ve been playing with for 10+ years.

 

We mark for someone else quite often within our regular group. If you're already at the green and someone is hitting from a fair distance and their ball ends up needing marked it makes perfect sense to mark it for them. Then while they're walking or riding towards the green the other person can be putting. It's just another small thing that helps with pace.

 

But, like NB said, that is within our regular group. Playing with someone new I wouldn't do it without asking.

 

I often forget that not everyone plays with the same guys dozens of time a year over a long period of time. All kinds of things we take for granted in our group.

 

There’s one guy who only wants his ball marked by himself, everyone else we just mark for each other.

 

A couple guys have rabbit ears so we all stay still and quiet when they are hitting, otherwise we keep walking and don’t get bothered by a quiet conversation going on 30 yards away.

 

And yeah, one guy gets annoyed at poker chips (among other things) and will say so to anyone not clued in.

 

But that’s all in the family so to speak. Even slow play is indulged unless it is just totally over the top bad.

[deadsolid...shank]

 

 

What about just carrying the coin-sized marker? Without the giant poker chip in your pocket, you might be able to easily fish out the coin-sized marker. Heck, you might even have room to carry two coin-sized markers in your pocket. Then you'd have twice as good a chance of being able to fish one of them out of your pocket.

 

 

I usually have two or three of the teensy little flat plastic ones (dime sized with a little prong sticking out of the back) in my pocket during a round. Specifically to make it easy to grab one in and between the tees. I also end up marking someone else's ball for them at least once or twice a round so having multiple ones is nice.

 

i don't know about the rest of the group on this forum but i dont like it when people mark my ball. I often walk up and wonder where the hell is my ball.

 

Well of course you ask, “Want me to mark that?” before touching their ball, unless it’s one of the regulars in the group who I’ve been playing with for 10+ years.

 

We mark for someone else quite often within our regular group. If you're already at the green and someone is hitting from a fair distance and their ball ends up needing marked it makes perfect sense to mark it for them. Then while they're walking or riding towards the green the other person can be putting. It's just another small thing that helps with pace.

 

But, like NB said, that is within our regular group. Playing with someone new I wouldn't do it without asking.

 

I often forget that not everyone plays with the same guys dozens of time a year over a long period of time. All kinds of things we take for granted in our group.

 

There’s one guy who only wants his ball marked by himself, everyone else we just mark for each other.

 

A couple guys have rabbit ears so we all stay still and quiet when they are hitting, otherwise we keep walking and don’t get bothered by a quiet conversation going on 30 yards away.

 

And yeah, one guy gets annoyed at poker chips (among other things) and will say so to anyone not clued in.

 

But that’s all in the family so to speak. Even slow play is indulged unless it is just totally over the top bad.

 

When you do play regularly with the same group you, or it (the group), really does develop habits and norms. Then when you play with different people you often have to stop and catch yourself before doing certain things (or ina certain way). It's a habit for your own group, but could upset someone else.

[Bonneville85308]

My non-golfing wife was given one of these at work that they had left over from a company outing. Even she said to me "what's the point of marking the ball with this instead of something flush with the green, it's so big that you might as well just leave the ball there."

 

Personally I don't care what someone marks their ball with, but if its one of these chips and its in my line, I will ask them to move it. Those little flat plastic ones with the peg that sit flush to the green, I don't ask people to move. I can see a benefit of the chip being that it is easy to find in your pocket quickly. I sometimes use the little plastic flush marker and it often gets caught on the tees in my pocket and takes some jingling around to pull out.