I recently bought a ball marking kit that came with a Sharpie, but was disappointed when the lines started rubbing off after just a few holes. This sent me down a rabbit hole searching for a marker that actually stays on the ball. After hearing rumors that Tiger uses Milwaukee Inkzall markers, I decided to conduct a highly scientific* comparison.
The Contenders:
- Milwaukee Inkzall (allegedly Tiger’s choice)
- Random blue marker from Temu (because why not)
- Sharpie (came with my marking kit)
Test protocol:
Using a ball marking guide, I drew three parallel lines on recycled Pro V1s – one line per marker in the same order as above. Also added a hand-drawn “V” with each marker in three consecutive dimples for another type of comparison. To give the markers the best chances of success I let them cure for 48 hours, including some sun light exposure.
Initial observations after drying
- Temu marker: Already fading and rubbed off with minimal hand contact
- Sharpie: Turned purple-black instead of staying true black
- Inkzall: Still pure black, zero transfer
Field Test:
Hit each ball ~10 times on a practice chipping green with both short and medium chips, then cleaned with towel and water.
Results:
Both the Temu and Sharpie markers scuffed easily and transferred to the clubface. The Inkzall though… completely unaffected!
Verdict:
If you want markings that’ll outlast your inevitable water hazard donation, Milwaukee Inkzall is the way.
*Not affiliated with Milwaukee, just tired of purple Sharpie lines
by MetricFlux
25 Comments
Try GOLFINK
(Un)fortunately, my golf balls get lost well before I have to worry about the durability of lines.
What tip on each did you use?
Good info, thank you for sharing! I have never heard of Inkzall, so will give it a try. My normal Orange Sharpie fades after a round or two (for the few times I don’t lose it).
I bet that Milwaukee is like 30 bucks
Edit: Sarcasm
How’s the Sharpie Industrial…?
This is the kind of content I’m here for.
Seriously, good stuff. I get some wear and club transfer with a legit sharpie, but usually I lose the ball before it becomes an issue.
Also my black sharpie still seems dark black on white balls? But now I have to do a side by side comparison there.
I like my Milwaukee sharpie in the shop though – never thought to try it on my golf balls.
Edit: definitely no color difference between my sharpie and the Milwaukee. Both pure black
I saw someone post about the Milwaukee pen earlier this year and I bought some immediately. It definitely holds up better than the regular sharpie I used to use.
Sharpie Extreme are the ones to use
The inkzall is like their sawzall but with… ink.
They’re actually quite good for construction purposes. I just use the line on the ball though.
Being an electrician and a golfer. I use the markzall every time 😂 they’re awesome
How new is the Inkzall? Because they used to be much better.
Now did the Inkzall leave marks on the clubface, like Sharpies tend to do?
I’ve found several balls with Sharpie lines and they still look good after a round. I don’t re-sharpie them and they hold its lines.
Awesome work. I think I’ll grab one of those since I play par 3 courses most. Many times I play 4-5 rounds with a single ball. I’m actually amazed at the durability of golf balls in 2025.
Thank you
Thank you for this.
Can answer this one without reading it….
Inkzall wins.
They’re the best marker for their purpose in the workshop by a mile so I can almost guarantee they win this test too.
They’re pricey for a workshop cause they tend to get lost before they run out of ink but for marking a few (dozen) golf balls they’ll last for years.
u/MilwaukeeTool time to sponsor this niche content king!
I caddied a tournament and the player i was carrying for used Posca markers. No wear off at all, granted he switched balls every 6 holes. I haven’t tried it yet myself but plan on picking some up soon
Inkzall is the pro v1 of markers
Markers aside, I swear you could freehand lines better than that kit geez
I’ve been using a blue Inkzall and it rubs off pretty quickly
i use a green inkzall and it only lasts ~9 holes before needing to re-mark
I’m an electrician, I’ve been on the Inkzall tip for years now. Things rule