Best golf-ball markers: These 9 nifty ball markers prove the little things in golf really do matter

These eye-catching hand-hammered bronze ball marks are made in Portland, Oregon, by a second generation Blacksmith. The company refers to them as symbols “of all of the good things in this world,” but we just think they cool look. From peace signs and shamrocks, to Jack- and Arnie-themes, to an homage to Jordan Spieth’s famous “Go get that!” line from the 2018 Open Championship, it’s hard to pick a favorite.

Some golfers like to get fancy with their choice of golf-ball markers, but that doesn’t mean you do. If you’re the kind of player who thinks dropping big bills (or medium-sized bills) for a simple marker is out of line, than Athletic Works Neon golf ball markers are for you. For less than three bucks, you get about a dozen simple, plastic markers in several translucent neon colors. They also have a peg at bottom to stick in the turf and keep your mark in place, so in some ways they work even better than some costlier options.

High-quality golf-ball markers don’t need to be overly flashy. That description fits Dune Jewelry’s ball markers perfectly. The custom markers feature a decorative stainless-steel rim, but the best part is the interior. Golfers can get the sand or grass from their favorite club embedded in the face. The result is an attractive, classy ball marker that commemorates an important place in a golfer’s heart, perfect for the golfer closest to your heart.

If you’re the type of golfer who spares no expense and enjoys a little (or a lot) of flair on the course, check out Vertini’s Gold Quattro Zero ball markers. The luxurious markers are made from 24K gold and platinum plating, providing all the shine you need during a sunny day on the course. The design is taken to another level with 20 colored Swarovski crystals embedded in a circular pattern in the center of the marker. They carry a hefty price tag, but you receive four markers with different colored crystals, all packaged in an attractive black jewelry box. Rest assured, you won’t mix up your marker with your playing partner’s.

Pinmei golf ball markers are among the more practical ball markers available on the market. That’s because they come with a clip that snaps easily onto your hat, belt or anywhere else you want it, so you’ll never lose it. The markers themselves adhere to the clip with a strong magnet so you don’t have to worry about it ever falling off, either. A set of two ball markers will run you less than $10, and you get to choose from dozens of embossed designs, running the gamut from American flags to four-leaf clovers.

Break the ice in your foursome and lighten up the mood with a few jokes, courtesy of your new Da Vinci golf ball markers. The Da Vinci marks come in a poker-chip design, but the selling point is what’s on the front of the chips. Each one contains a classic golf joke or pun (i.e., “Putt Now, Wine Later”, “May the Couse Be With You” and “Kiss My Putt”). You can get your hands on a 16-pack of Da Vinci ball markers perfect for your upcoming outing, or opt for 3-, 4-, or 8-packs if you’re shopping just for one.

Team Golf is the place to go if you want ball markers that fly the flag for your favorite sports team. Team Golf makes officially-licensed accessories from the NFL, MLB, NCAA and NHL, so you’re sure to find your squad, no matter how bad their record is. You can opt for a 3-pack of poker-chip style ball markers with your team’s logo emblazoned on the front for $15, or you can go for the metal hat-clip version featuring a slightly different design for a couple bucks less ($12.99).

If you want to sparkle on the course, pick up a Giggle Golf custom ball marker. The circular metal markers feature a ring of crystals around the outside edge that will collectively glint in the sun to temporarily blind your opponent, or at least make them envious. The color and inside design of the markers is up to you, and Giggle Golf offers a near-endless array of options to choose from. There really are designs for everyone, whether you’re a “Golf Diva” or a “Golfaholic.” With several Christmasy designs available, you can make a Giggle Golf ball marker a perfect stocking stuffer.