News

You are looking at: Home : News

Ball markers could be standardised

Court ruling could end use of coins on greens and sale of logoed ball markers for all golfers. A day to remember...

Posted: 1 April 2004
by Bob Warters

These markers could be outlawed

Coins and traditional ball-markers could be outlawed if a French court decides in favour of a golfer who claimed a deflected putt robbed her of winning a tournament.

The R&A and the USGA are watching developments closely in the case in France and may have to change Rule 20-1 if the judge rules in favour of a 42-year-old golfing lawyer Aprille Duper.

And that means that only specially minted nickel discs 1.5 centimetres in diameter and one millimetre thick, will be allowed for golfers throughout the world. Failure to use them could incur a two stroke penalty.

Madame Duper, a 24 handicapper, instigated the case in the Deauville civil court in Northern France after clashing with her opponent Ms Bete Histoire (51) in the final of the Deauville Country Club’s ladies matchplay final in September. It has taken seven months to reach the law chambers.

Euro at centre of storm

Mdme Duper’s crucial six foot putt on the 18th green, deflected against the 2mm-thick one Euro coin used as a marker and the ball lipped out, costing her the match.

When the club refused to Rule in her favour when she requested the putt be replayed, the mother of two consequently sued the club and her opponent.

If successful, it could lead to a major shift in golf etiquette and a standardisation of ball markers.

At present golfers throughout the world are, under Rule 20.1, able to mark their balls on the green with a small coin or similar marker, immediately behind it.

Players tend to use whatever coin is in their pocket – whatever the appropriate currency – or use a logoed marker they can purchase from a pro shop or one attached to their glove.

Ball-marking could all change

However, if Mdme Duper wins her case every golfer could well be issued with compulsory identical ball-markers, officially stamped by the R&A or USGA, the game’s ruling bodies.

It could also end a long-established and lucrative trade in purchasing and swapping ball markers from different golf clubs. Currently a ball-marker from Augusta National Golf Club, which stages next week’s US Masters, is selling for $150 on E-bay.

A spokesman at St Andrews, commented: "As soon as the case is complete we will ask the court for the official documents. This is a landmark day and the outcome should be taken very seriously."

Tell us what you think on the forum. Is this going to put a stop to your own collection of ball-markers?

Previous article
Monza Mezza 'monster'

Next article
Olyo updates its 'iron-woods'

Discuss this story

Homer Is King

What a pile of pants. Typical of the compensation culture we live in. Surely it was her responsibility to make sure marker wasnt on her line?

Has she nothing better to do. Time in court could have been spent practising her putting! Get a life love and stop trying to ruin the game for others

Posted: 01/04/2004 at 10:45

Happy Hacker

I can't believe I just read that. For once I'm lost for words.

Posted: 01/04/2004 at 11:16

Big Monkey

It be April 1 you muppets

Posted: 01/04/2004 at 11:18

Homer Is King

I am so slow!! Just realised

Posted: 01/04/2004 at 11:20

Andy Whittle

What a load of S**T. Surley when she was lined up for the put she should of asked for the marker to be moved. I bet she wouldnt replay the put if it hit the marker and that made it go in!!.

I think she needs to stick to hitting it through windmills.

Andy

Posted: 01/04/2004 at 11:23

Bob Warters

You are an old spoil sport BM, I had a quiet little bet with myself that I'd get at least 12 irate postings before the penny (or ball-marker) dropped.

Still, nice try, eh? ED

Posted: 01/04/2004 at 11:23

Andy Whittle

I am even slower DUHHHH!!!!

Posted: 01/04/2004 at 11:24

Paul Hodgson

I'm a dullard! Fell for it hook line...

Posted: 01/04/2004 at 11:25

Happy Hacker

Doh!

Posted: 01/04/2004 at 11:27

Big Monkey

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!

off for a game now

Posted: 01/04/2004 at 12:28

Nick Cook

The name 'Aprille Duper' gives it away a bit, doesn't it!

(Although I would have posted had I been in the office today!)

Posted: 01/04/2004 at 17:35

Taz

I've had a bad day April 1st 2004

Will need a hug when the missus gets home.

I've dinged my barge - only slightly, front bumper but then when driving home a stone cracked the front windscreen.
Then when cleaning my clubs I found my beloved Gap wedge missing and no one has handed it in.

Anyone know where there is a 52 degree Mizuno CompEZ F. wedge for sale?

Bugger!

Posted: 01/04/2004 at 18:25

Trickie Dickie

Bob
Loved it.You little tinker!

Posted: 01/04/2004 at 18:30

Taz

OK update

Wife came in and gave me a hug - car's booked in tomorrow for new windscreen.

BUT EVEN BETTER - Ken the Cat 1 player from a neighbouring club who I lost to yesterday just phoned me up to tell me HE has my gap wedge - must have picked it up in by mistake.

.............................mind you he was none to pleased when I suggested that therefore he must have lost the competition on the last hole instead of winning through having too many clubs in his bag.

YEEEHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted: 01/04/2004 at 19:33

The Venetian

Deftly done, Bob! I know for a fact that it had some over here scratching their heads! Bear in mind that south of the 49th parallel they changed the name they call chips from "French fries" to "freedom fries" and are generally disposed to think badly of the French. (For all the wrong reasons; it is nothing like the centuries-old cross-channel 'ostilities).

'fraid I cottoned as soon as I saw the name of the plaintiff. But it was EXTREMELY well conceived. Looking forward to next year already.

Posted: 03/04/2004 at 02:13

Talkback: Ball markers could be standardised