Field notes
Does Sharpie Stay on Golf Balls? What Works
The practical answer
A standard permanent Sharpie usually holds through a normal round when it is applied to a clean, dry golf ball. Cart paths, bunker sand and aggressive cleaning can wear any mark down over time.
Make the mark last
Use one or two clean passes and give the ink a short moment to dry before the ball goes back in your pocket. A compact mark near the printed number is easy to recognise and less exposed than a large design.
Keep it simple
Black is dependable and easy to see. If your group has a lot of black marks, pair it with one bold colour or a simple symbol you will recognise at a glance.