Lesson 4: The Flagstick
On the putting green, you are allowed to pick up your ball, clean it, and put it back — but only if you first mark exactly where it was with a small coin or ball marker placed directly behind the ball.
This rule exists for fairness: if your ball is in another player’s line, marking it and moving it out of the way is considerate. And being able to clean your ball on the green helps everyone putt accurately.
The process is simple: place your marker directly behind the ball, then lift it. When it is your turn to putt, replace the ball in front of the marker, then pick the marker up before you putt.
Always mark your ball before lifting it. Lifting it without marking first means you have moved your ball without permission — a penalty.
Rule: On the putting green, mark your ball’s position with a coin or ball marker before lifting it. Replace the ball in front of the marker before putting. Remove the marker before playing.
Practice the full marking and replacing sequence 10 times until it is fluid: place marker behind ball → lift ball → clean ball with cloth → replace ball in front of marker → remove marker → putt. Time yourself: can you do the full sequence in under 20 seconds? This is a real skill that will serve you on every hole of every round you ever play.