Placing a marker on Fairway

rather new to golf.. not too sure about the rules.
But while watching the Singapore Open, i noticed some player placed a tee behind the ball on the fairway.. using it as a marker.. and proceed to lift the ball off the fairway. He then placed the ball back where the marker is when he's taking his shot. There was no obstruction, etc.
Why did they do this?. I tot the only place you can put a marker is on the green?

The officials can delcare this if they deem that the fairway is wet. Hence the players will be allow to do this. This normally happen when there is too much rain.

ahh ok.. thanx duffader. Learnt something new.
But just curious.. what is the reason for this rule?
To allow the players to clean the ball?

It is also known as "winter rule".

http://golf.about.com/cs/rulesofgolf/a/winterrules.htm

I think to make the competition better.

wow.. quite a read for early monday morning.. hahahaahhaha
but it's helpful..
thanx once again bro duffader.

Cyrano wrote:

ahh ok.. thanx duffader. Learnt something new.
But just curious.. what is the reason for this rule?
To allow the players to clean the ball?

Yes to clean the ball as it has lumps of mud all over it.

Winter rule. This ensured that the fairway can withstand longer playing as you can see the divots all these pro made.

If I'm not wrong the club will declare that if necessary.