A marker assembly includes a first linkage section interconnected to a second linkage section by a pivoting joint. The pivoting joint also includes a spring linkage that limits momentum in the second linkage section before a marking disc carried by the second linkage section engages the ground. The spring linkage may be comprised of a spring that is retained by a pair of washers within a housing or canister. A linkage rod passes through the canister and has a set of nuts that are sized to catch the washers. Thus, if the spring linkage is compressed or extended, the catch nuts press up against the washers thereby compressing the spring. By compressing the spring, a force is applied in the opposite direction as the momentum in the marker assembly, which reduces the collective momentum in the marker assembly during deployment.