Repairing a pitch mark (also known as a ball mark) on a green takes seconds, but can save weeks of healing to the turf. It's an important thing to do for the course, and for the golfers who follow you. (Note: For a more in-depth, and illustrated, version of this article, see "Repairing Ball Marks")
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15-30 seconds
Here's How:
- Use a ballmark repair tool (sometimes called a divot repair tool or greens repair tool) whenever possible. They cost a couple bucks - buy one.
- Insert the repair tool at the edge of the pitch mark. Do NOT insert the tool within the depression itself.
- Push the tool forward from the edge of the pitch mark toward the center. Do this around the edges of the indentation.
- Do NOT insert the tool under the indented area and push up - a common mistake. Think of it as pushing turf in from the edges toward the center.
- Tamp down the repaired area with your putter so that the surface is even.
Tips:
- If your pitch mark has actually displaced a piece of turf, do not replace it. Just work around the edges with your repair tool as normal. The replaced turf will simply die, delaying the healing process.
- Pushing the tines of your repair tool under the indented area and pushing up only damages the root system.
- You not only should always repair your pitch marks, but, time permitting, you should repair any other ball marks you see, too.
What You Need:
- Ballmark Repair Tool
- Putter
