Ball Markers & Divot Tools: A Golfer's Etiquette Kit

They are the smallest things in your bag, yet ball markers and divot tools do more for the game than almost anything else you carry. A good marker keeps play fair and tidy on the green, while a divot tool lets you leave the course in better shape than you found it. Both are quick to use, easy to forget, and genuinely appreciated by everyone you play with. Here is how to choose a set you will actually reach for.

Why every golfer needs both

A ball marker sits behind your ball once it is on the green, so you can lift, clean and replace it without blocking a playing partner's line. A divot tool repairs the small crater a pitching ball leaves when it lands, helping the green heal in days rather than weeks. Carry both and you cover the two moments where good etiquette matters most: on the putting surface and the approach into it.

How to repair a pitch mark properly

Most golfers repair pitch marks the wrong way, and lifting the centre only tears the roots. The tidy method is simple:

• Insert the prongs at the edge of the mark, not the middle.
• Gently push the turf inwards towards the centre, working all the way around.
• Never lever upwards — that lifts the roots and leaves a brown scar.
• Tap it flat with the sole of your putter so it is smooth to putt over.

Done well, the mark should be almost invisible and fully recovered within a couple of days.

Choosing a marker and tool you'll keep

The best set is the one that is always to hand, so think about how you like to carry it. Magnetic markers that clip to a divot tool, a cap or a belt clip are the least likely to be left in a trouser pocket at home. Look for a marker with a little weight so it sits flat in a breeze, and a tool with sturdy prongs that will not bend in firm ground. A few things worth weighing up:

• Attachment: magnetic, clip-on or a simple flat disc.
• Material: metal lasts longer and feels more secure than lightweight plastic.
• Visibility: a bright or engraved marker is easier to spot on a busy green.

You can browse our full range of ball markers and divot tools, and pair them with the odds and ends in other accessories to round out your kit.

A neat gift for any golfer

Because they are compact and universally useful, a marker and divot tool make a thoughtful present that suits any handicap. A personalised set feels special without breaking the bank, which is why they are a favourite for club prizes and birthdays alike. Have a look through our personalised gifts for ideas, or our best sellers if you want a safe bet.

We deliver within the Canary Islands only, from Tenerife South with Correos — free on orders from €50, and everything is 40% off in our Closing Sale until 31 December. Questions about a set or a personalised order? Drop us a line at info@golfboxtfs.es and we'll be glad to help.