If you've ever caught yourself squinting at a PGA Tour broadcast, curious about the tiny object a pro just placed beside their ball, you're not alone. Ball markers might be one of the smallest pieces of gear in golf, but they're also among the most personal, each one telling its own story, whether it's a lucky coin, a sponsor's logo, or a custom token with a hidden meaning. For pros and amateurs alike, the choice of marker is a subtle way to add personality to every round. In this article, we'll dig into what ball markers do pros use, why their choices matter, and how you can bring a bit of that pro-level flair to your own game. (And if you want the full deep dive, see our complete guide to golf ball markers for the whole story.)
What do PGA golfers use as ball markers?
Let's start with the basics: what is a golf ball marker, and why does every pro have one? Simple. A ball marker is a small, flat object a golfer uses to mark the position of their ball on the green, so they can pick it up, clean it, or get it out of someone's line. It's a tiny piece of etiquette that keeps the game moving and the greens pristine.
So, what do PGA golfers use as ball markers? The answer is, well, a little bit of everything, as long as it's flat and doesn't get in anyone's way. Here's what you'll spot most often on tour:
- Coins: the classic choice. Quarters, dimes, even old foreign coins. If it fits in a pocket and won't distract anyone, it's fair game.
- Sponsor-branded markers: many pros carry markers featuring their sponsor's logo, think Titleist, Callaway, or the tournament's own branding. It's part practicality, part business.
- Simple custom discs: some golfers opt for basic discs, sometimes engraved with initials, a lucky number, or a personal symbol.
There's no official rule about shape or material (as long as it's not the size of a sandwich), so you'll see a lot of variety. But the common thread? Pros choose markers that are practical, unobtrusive, and sometimes meaningful.
What's interesting is how this tiny accessory becomes a canvas for self-expression, even within the strict etiquette of the PGA Tour. While some pros are content to stick with a well-worn coin, others go for something with a story behind it, a marker that's as much a part of their routine as their favorite glove or lucky hat. This is where the idea of a fun golf accessory really comes to life. For some, it's about superstition; for others, it's about standing out just a little, even in a sea of navy polos and khaki pants.
Durability also matters, especially for pros who play hundreds of rounds a year. Markers need to survive the rigors of travel, weather, and the occasional frustrated toss into a golf bag. That's why markers designed to be played, not just collected, are gaining traction, not just among the pros, but with anyone who wants their gear to last more than one season. Handcrafted, American-made markers are increasingly popular for their blend of toughness and personality, offering a real alternative to the mass-produced plastic chips you find in the bottom of a giveaway bag.
For more ideas on adding some humor to your game, see our guide to funny and novelty golf ball markers.
Do pros use custom ball markers?
Now, let's talk about getting personal. Do pros use custom ball markers? Absolutely, though not every pro goes wild with customization, plenty do. For some, the ball marker is a little good luck charm or a nod to something special in their life:
- Lucky coins passed down from a grandparent.
- Mementos from a memorable trip or big win.
- Family gifts: a marker made by a kid or spouse.
It's not always about flash. Sometimes, it's about comfort, routine, or a private connection to home. And yes, you'll see a few pros with custom-made markers, but it's usually subtle: a small engraving, a favorite color, or a symbol with personal meaning.
Here's where you, the fan, can get in on the action. You might not have a trophy case at home, but you can absolutely carry a marker that feels like you. Want to show off your favorite player, team, or trading card? See our guide to custom and personalized golf ball markers for ideas, or go all-in with a piece of sports history by browsing our golf ball markers made from real sports cards. Because your marker should have as much personality as your swing.
The rise of personalized golf ball markers is a direct response to the "same old, same old" options that used to dominate the green. Today, more players, pro and amateur alike, are looking for something that actually reflects who they are. From a marker crafted out of a real sports card featuring your favorite athlete, to a piece that's been hand-cut and layered for extra flair, there's a growing appetite for markers that are as unique as the stories behind them.
The ability to request a custom marker, say, with a favorite player, team, or even a specific card from your own collection, has opened up a new world of possibilities. It's not just about having something cool in your pocket; it's about carrying a piece of your own sports fandom onto the course. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like pulling out a marker made from an authentic card and watching your buddies do a double-take.
What ball markers do PGA pros use?
Let's recap: what ball markers do PGA pros use? It's a mixed bag, but the direction it's heading is pretty clear. Sure, you'll still see plenty of plain coins and sponsor swag out there. On tour you'll spot:
- Old coins (quarters, dimes, lucky pennies)
- Sponsor-branded markers (logos, tournament swag)
- Simple custom discs (engraved initials, numbers, or symbols)
- And, more and more, personal markers that actually stand out
That last one is the real story. The generic marker isn't going anywhere, but the trend is hard to miss: more and more pros are ditching the forgettable disc for something nongeneric, something with their team, their family, or their own story stamped right into it. As you'll see in a second with a couple of the biggest names in the game, the standout marker has gone from rare to genuinely common at the very top of the sport.
And just to keep things honest: everything here is based on what's been spotted in tournaments, reported by players, or shared in interviews. No wild guesses, no made-up endorsements.
What's driving it is simple: the pros appreciate authenticity and personality as much as anyone. A marker that means something beats a marker that's just there. Markers that start with an authentic card, rather than a replica, carry that same legitimacy and nostalgia, and the fact that the best ones are handcrafted in the USA only adds to the appeal. Whether it's the minimalist Original Cut or the layered Signature Series, the move is toward markers that are designed to be played, not just displayed on a shelf.
What does Tiger Woods use for a ball marker?
Alright, let's get specific: what does Tiger Woods use for a ball marker? Tiger fans, you probably already know. He's famously used a simple coin. Over the years, Tiger has been seen with a classic 1932 U.S. quarter, a nod to his father's birth year and a little piece of personal history. It's understated, practical, and quietly meaningful.
Tiger's marker choice is a perfect example of how a ball marker can be more than just a piece of metal. It can be a connection to family, tradition, or a source of calm under pressure. Beyond that, Tiger hasn't publicized any wild or custom markers. If he's switched it up over the years, it hasn't made the headlines. The lesson? Sometimes, the best marker is the one that means something to you.
What ball marker does Rory McIlroy use?
Now here's a fun one. What ball marker does Rory McIlroy use? Not a plain coin, it turns out. Rory marks his ball with custom handmade markers, small torched copper discs hand-stamped by Jon Millman, a Long Island financial planner who taught himself metalwork during the pandemic and now makes markers for a whole roster of tour players. The markers reach Rory through his caddie and childhood friend, Harry Diamond.
What makes them special is what is stamped on them. Rory has carried a marker that reads "Manchester United" (he is a die-hard fan) and one stamped "Poppy," his daughter's name. When he won the 2025 Masters to complete the career Grand Slam, he was playing a marker engraved with something his daughter once told him: "You already know how to play golf." He later sent Millman a signed Masters flag to say thanks.
That is the whole point, right there. Rory could mark his ball with anything on earth, and he chooses a handmade piece that carries his team and his kid onto the green. A marker that means something beats a marker that is just a marker. It is the same idea behind carrying one cut from a card you actually care about.
What ball marker does Scottie Scheffler use?
Same maker, another believer. The world No. 1, Scottie Scheffler, marks his ball with Jon Millman's handmade copper markers too. And like Rory's, Scottie's are personal: his have been stamped with his wife's name, Meredith. So the best player on the planet, a guy who could have any custom anything he wanted, reaches for a hand-stamped marker that carries someone he loves.
There's a theme here, and it's the whole reason this page exists. The markers that end up in tour pockets aren't the flashiest or the priciest. They're the ones that mean something. A plain coin can do the job, but a marker with your team, your kid, or your person on it does something a coin never will.
What do PGA Tour players use for ball markers?
So, what do PGA Tour players use for ball markers? Pull it all together and the answer is a little of everything, trending personal. The plain coin and the sponsor disc are still out there, but the markers that actually mean something to a player, a family name, a team crest, a card that takes them back, are the ones showing up more and more in tour pockets. Tiger's quarter, Rory's Manchester United and Poppy markers, Scottie's marker for Meredith: different players, same instinct. Mark your ball with something that is actually yours.
There's no official "pro marker," and no rule saying you can't bring your own personality to the green. The marker is a blank canvas. Use it to rep your favorite player, remember a great round, or just show off your style.
Want to put a little more "you" in your golf game? Check out our golf ball markers made from real sports cards, or design your own with our custom and personalized golf ball markers. Because if the pros can carry something meaningful, so can you.
When you're looking for a marker that's more than just a coin, it's all about finding something that feels authentic, something that actually tells your story. That's why markers that start with an authentic card, not a replica, are catching on with golfers who want to stand out and carry a piece of their passion onto the green. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan, a trading card collector, or just someone who likes to keep things playful, a marker made from a real card brings a whole new level of personality to your game.
It's not just about looks, either. The best golf ball markers are designed to be durable, built to handle real rounds, not just sit in a display case. That means you can toss it in your pocket, mark your ball after a monster drive, and not worry about it falling apart. When you're out there with your buddies, talking trash and chasing birdies, you want something that's as tough as your game (or at least as tough as your attitude).
For golfers who want even more ways to show off their style, there are two distinct design paths: the classic Original Cut, which lets the card's art and history shine, and the layered Signature Series, which adds a little extra pop and dimension. Both are handcrafted in the USA, so you know you're getting something legit, not a mass-produced trinket, but a real piece of sports history you can actually use.
Some players want to rep their favorite athlete, some want to commemorate a legendary game, and some just want a cool story to tell on the green. That's where custom requests come in. If you've got a player or a card in mind, you can make it happen with a Request a Player service. It's the ultimate way to make your marker as unique as your swing (even if your swing is a little... unpredictable).
At the end of the day, what you use to mark your ball says something about you, whether it's a family coin like Tiger, a lucky token, or a marker made from a card you pulled as a kid. The pros might keep it simple, but that doesn't mean you have to. Your marker can be a conversation starter, a good luck charm, or just a reminder to have fun out there.
Carry a marker that means something
Pros carry markers that mean something to them: a lucky coin, a gift, a little piece of their story. You can do the same. Rep your favorite player by carrying a marker made from their actual card. Take a look and put a bit of your fandom in your pocket.