The best pens in the world for permanent markings, such as your favorite little dots on your golf balls. Tiger Woods uses an illegal device (well, it should be) of drawing a line on his balls so that he can lay them down on the line on which he wishes the putt to roll. (You really should see this in your mind and not have to rely on a line on a ball, but God bless him for his effort.)
Duffy Waldorf does the most imaginative markings in several different colors. His kids and wife help out with different themes to fit the season.
I prefer three black dots to remind me of the Holy Trinity: Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus.
But, back to Sharpies:
Do not expect something written with these pens to outlast the elements. Put a sign outside and it'll be washed out in a couple of months. One word: Paint.