How To Repair a Divot on the Putting Green
A properly fixed ball mark takes about two days to heal. A mark that’s not fixed or improperly fixed could take up to three weeks to get back to normal.
We all want to putt on the best greens, but that’s only possible if we, as a golf society, collectively do our part to fix our ball marks, which some golfers refer to as divots (even though technically divots are different, we know what you mean).
Here's the steps and etiquette to fixing your ball marks and leaving greens better than you found them.
Properly Fixing a Ball Mark on the Green
Here’s an easy step-by-step process for fixing your ball marks.
- Have your favorite divot repair tool or golf tee handy
- Put your tool in at a 45-degree angle, just outside of the ball mark
- Pull the tool toward the center of the mark
- Repeat this action around the entire ball mark until you have a small mound
- Use the bottom of your putter to tap the mound back to flat ground
It’s also important to pay attention to what you’re fixing:
- Ball mark: A small crater with turf piled on one side caused by a typical golf shot.
- Pitch mark: The term "pitch mark" may be used interchangeably with ball mark.
- Divots: If you see a divot like you see in the fairway on the putting surface, something went wrong. When golfers refer to a "divot" on the putting green, they're most likely referencing a ball mark. Never hit a full shot from the green.
- Spike mark: Caused by someone dragging their feet on the green, a spike mark looks like a trail. These can be hard to fix and are best left to the maintenance workers.
Rules and Etiquette on Fixing Ball Marks and Divots
Sometimes you need to fix a ball mark in your putting line, on the fringe, or off the green. Here’s how to handle each situation.
Ball Mark in Your Putting Line
You are free to fix a ball mark on the green that stands between your ball and the hole. This rule also includes ball marks that are on or away from your line, whether or not your ball is on or off the green.
It's best to make sure your ball is marked before you go to fix a ball mark (assuming your ball is on the green) to avoid the possibility of moving your golf ball while you’re repairing it. However, even if you do accidentally move your ball on the putting green, there is no penalty, and you may simply replace it.
RELATED: Ball at Rest Moved: Official Rules, Procedures and Penalty
The Rules of Golf, however, do not allow you to repair a ball mark that is off the green between your ball and the hole (unless it was made by another player after your ball already came to rest). In this scenario, you must play your shot first, then repair the mark.
On the Fringe
If your ball has settled on the fringe, you might be tempted to fix a ball mark that’s also on the fringe. Under USGA rules, however, doing so would be improving your path and lead to a one-stroke penalty. The only exception would be if the obstruction occurred after your ball had already come to rest. Then, you are permitted to bring to spot back to its original state.
Off the Green
If you’re off of the green (including the fringe) you are allowed to fix ball marks on the putting surface.
How Not To Repair Divots and Ball Marks on the Green
When it comes to repairing ball marks, there are a few pitfalls you want to avoid.
- You don’t need to push your repair tool far into the ground. An inch or so should be fine. Pushing it too far in can break the roots and damage the turf.
- Be courteous to your playing partners by making sure not to stand in their line when fixing a ball mark.
- When using your putter to tap down the mound you just fixed, do so lightly as to not create a bigger mark.
- When repairing your ball mark, if a piece of the green comes off, do not try to replace it like a fairway divot.
Divot Repair Tools
Every golfer should have a divot repair tool or two in their golf bag. It’s one of those items you can never have too many of. The price of a divot tool can range from basically free (a golf tee) or up to $20, depending on how fancy you want to be. The most important thing is that you know how to use the tool correctly. Here are a few different types of divot repair tools.
- Golf tee: Pretty standard and you always have one on hand
- Two-prong: The most common style of repair tool. You can find them at any golf retailer, some even flip open with a button
- Two-prong, short: This is a type of tool that many golf courses give out. The “stubbiness” on the prongs is designed to keep people from pushing too far into the ground
Save the Greens
Now that we’re all on the same page on how to repair ball marks on the green, things to avoid, and what type of tools exist, our local munis should be prepared to fix fewer ball marks and offer healthier greens, all thanks to you, the courteous golfer.