They Mark Their Balls

Dear Mr. Woods,
It's Memorial Day.
It's a great day for observing the golf herd.
A lot of them are out today.(close encounter of the second kind).
More often than not, though,
I'm at work while they're at play,
and I'm with evidence that they've been here. (close encounter of the first kind)
The evidence is, of course, their lost balls.
For two years now I have completed an evening sweep of the property for balls.
My dog likes to rip them apart. Better for his health if I find them first.
Upon close inspection of these found balls, I've made a breakthrough discovery,
THEY MARK THEIR BALLS!
The markings appear to give clues to their identity and character.
Would you be willing to share any knowledge that you may have on the practice?
As always,
Respectfully,
The Muse