Dear Pro,

Last week, a buddy and I were playing at Alvamar and ran into this dilemma: We were both on the green, and had exactly the same line to the hole. What is the proper technique for marking your ball and moving it out of your partner’s way? Also, what’s the best and proper way to repair those ball marks that happen to be in my line?

– Adam, Lawrence

Adam,

Common courtesy is for the closer golfer to move the ball and mark it and get it out of the way. If the marker is in the way of the putt, move it a few inches out of the way using a geographic reminder, such as a tree, so you can put the marker back in the proper place.

To repair ball marks, never lift up with your tee or tool. Only push in, and smooth it over with your putter. This will leave a smooth surface for your partner to putt over.

– Randy Towner, head pro, Alvamar Country Club