Golf is fun, whether playing solo or with others. Having a basic understanding of the game’s rules makes it easier to enjoy the experience and improve your skills. In this periodic column, I provide brief explanations of golf rules and answer commonly asked questions.

Question: Martha and Jack are playing in a stroke play tournament. Martha hits her ball on the fourth hole just past the hole. As Jack prepares to chip his ball onto the green, Martha proceeds to mark her ball. Jack asks her not to mark her ball as it may assist his ball in stopping if he misses the hole. Martha agrees and lets her ball remain in place. Is Jack allowed such a request and can Martha agree?

Answer: No, not if they are competitors (rule 22-l). If Jack proceeds to hit his ball without Martha’s ball being marked, they are both disqualified.

Yes, if they are partners. However, if another competitor feels that it would provide Jack with an unfair advantage, then they can ask that Martha mark her ball. If this happens and Martha refuses to mark her ball, she is disqualified. If Jack proceeds to chip and hits Martha’s ball, he also is disqualified. If he misses her ball, he receives no penalty.

Thanks for the question. As always, remember to have fun while playing or practicing the game of golf.

Lewis is a certified teaching professional and a member of the United States Golf Teachers Federation. E-mail him at grahamgolf@darientel.net.