Mistakes happen in golf, even at the professional level. A common error that players make is failing to move their ball mark back to its original spot after clearing the path for a playing partner’s putt. This innocent mistake may seem minor, but in professional golf, it can result in a costly two-stroke penalty. Zach Johnson almost learned this lesson the hard way twelve years ago during the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial. Johnson forgot to move his mark back on the 72nd hole of the tournament he was about to win, but fortunately, he still secured a one-stroke victory despite the penalty. This incident served as a wake-up call for Johnson, prompting him to implement a trick to avoid making the same mistake in the future.
After the close call at Colonial, Johnson adopted a strategy to remind himself to move his mark back to its original position. Whenever someone asked him to move his mark on the greens, he would place a tee on the butt end of his putter’s grip. This simple but effective method served as a visual cue for Johnson to ensure he did not forget to move his mark back. The trick was eventually revealed by fellow professional golfer Michael Kim on Twitter, showcasing the importance of learning from mistakes and implementing strategies to prevent them from reoccurring.
In addition to Johnson’s tee trick, there are various other techniques that players can use to remember to move their mark back after clearing the path for a playing partner’s putt. For example, some golfers opt to use a different ball marker or coin than the one they had been using all day. This change serves as a physical reminder to return the mark to its original spot. Another example of a strategy to avoid forgetting is demonstrated by Tiger Woods, who marks his ball with a coin on the heads side. If asked to move his mark, Woods flips the coin to tails, reminding him to move it back before putting.
The importance of adhering to the rules of golf, no matter how minor they may seem, is emphasized through these anecdotes from professional players. A simple oversight such as forgetting to move a ball mark back can have significant consequences in a tournament setting. By sharing stories of their experiences and the tricks they use to avoid repeating mistakes, golfers like Zach Johnson and Tiger Woods highlight the value of attention to detail and preparation in the game of golf. Whether through personal reminders or the assistance of playing partners, staying mindful of the rules and procedures on the course is essential to success in competitive golf.
