# Can I mark my partner's ball on green?

> Marking a partner's ball on green: when it's allowed and what happens next.
- Title: Can I mark my partner's ball on green? · Nationalclubgolfer
- Summary: Marking a partner's ball on green: when it's allowed and what happens next. You can mark a partner's ball on green without penalty in stroke play but get a…
- Keywords: golf, rules, stroke play, match play, penalty stroke, green, sports, mark, partner's, ball, Nationalclubgolfer
- Source: Nationalclubgolfer — https://nationalclubgolfer.com/rules/marking-a-golf-ball-rules
- Author: Steve Carroll
- Published: 2026-10-05T16:02:35+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: golf, rules, stroke play, match play, penalty stroke, green, sports
## Marking a partner's ball on green
You get to a green ready to putt but your partner's ball is in the way.
## Who can lift a ball?
The player can lift their ball, and anyone the player authorises must be granted permission each time before lifting.
## Stroke play penalty?
In stroke play, you avoid a penalty if you mark a partner's ball without asking first.
## Match play penalty?
In match play, lifting a partner's ball causes a penalty stroke unless you have permission or are conceding the next stroke.
## When no penalty applies?
No penalty if you marked by mistake, your opponent asked you, or you're conceding the next stroke.
## What happens next?
Ask your partner before marking their ball to avoid a penalty stroke in match play.
## Key takeaway

You can mark a partner's ball on green without penalty in stroke play but get a penalty stroke in match play unless you have permission or are conceding the next stroke.