Rules Guy: Can I quickly mark a ball on a slope before it rolls back?

If your ball is on a steep slope, can you mark it quickly to avoid it rolling backward? Rules Guy has the answer.

By Rules Guy · Golf

Published: Tuesday, 22 September 2026 at 10:42 AM

Key Things to Know

Rule 14.1 allows a player or caddie to mark and lift a ball on the green before it starts rolling.
A ball cannot be marked and lifted once it has already begun moving down a slope.
Under Rule 11.3, an at-rest ball on the green may be lifted while another ball is in motion.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Under the Rules of Golf, a player or their caddie is permitted to quickly mark and lift a ball on the putting green before wind or a slope causes it to roll, provided the ball has not already started moving. Rule 14.1 grants caddies the right to mark and lift a player's ball on the putting green.

The column also addressed a stroke-play scenario regarding ball interference. According to Rule 9.6 and Rule 11.3, an outside player who lifts a competitor's ball to prevent a collision with another moving putt incurs no penalty, provided the lifting player is not the competitor's partner.

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Rules Guy: Can I quickly mark a ball on a slope before it rolls back?

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