Ball Mark Repair Tool

photo credit: badkleinkirchheim   It was 1960 when the PGA first allowed ball marks on greens to be repaired.  Soon thereafter, repair tools started to appear.

Repair tools are elongated with two pointed extensions (horns) on one side.  When a ball lands on the green it will usually make a small divot in the green’s surface.  Sometimes an actual divot can be located nearby lying on the green. 

When using a repair tool, stick the pointed end into the side of the divot hole and push the tool forward towards the hole itself.  Do this as needed, depending on the extent of damage.  When finished, tap the entire repaired surface thoroughly with the bottom of your putter and voila, it’s as good as new!

Etiquette Review Part I

photo credit: iBjorn   Do you  use proper golf etiquette, if not, here are some pointers:  Repair The Course > Be sure to replace all divots on the fairways, rough and greens.  Don’t throw the flagstick on the green, rest it there.  Repair spike marks after you hole out.  Wait For Players Ahead > Never hit into players ahead of you, always wait until they’ve hit and are on their way before you hit.  Sand Play > Enter the bunker as close as you can to your ball and always at a level spot.  Don’t climb down the sides of the trap.  When finished, rake every mark you’ve made in the sand.  On The Green > Be motionless and quite when others are putting.  Walk off green immediately when play is complete.

Etiquette Review Part II

photo credit: Dru Bloomfield – At Home in Scottsdale   How do you conduct yourself on the golf course?  Let’s review the basics of good etiquette:  If Someone is Hitting > Do not move or talk or stand to close (especially behind) to the golfer who’s preparing to take their shot.  This is especially so on the putting green.  Don’t allow your shadow to flow across the putting line of the person who’s putting.  Don’t Be Slow > With a foursome, a typical 18 hole round should last no more than 4 hours.  Prepare for each hole beforehand, not when you reach the ball.  The rules allow 5  minutes for a lost ball.  Let Others Play Through > Although foursomes have the right-of-way, allow faster players to play through especially if you are looking for a lost ball.

Pitch Mark Repair

photo credit: sidewalk flying   A pitch mark is the miniature crater your ball makes after striking the green.  Good etiquette calls for the repair of any such pitch mark.

Repairing pitch marks the wrong way can damage the surface of a green, so if you are new to the game,  make sure you carry a divot repair tool.  What follows is a three-step method that will help you get the job done correctly:  1st)  Insert the divot tool around the base of the pitch mark (crater) but not so deep that it severs the grass roots.  2nd)  Make a gentle twisting motion around the edges of the crater so the grass gets pushed back into the middle and fills the divot.  3rd)  Tap down on the mark.

Doing this simple exercise will assure the groups that follow, a smooth and even putting surface.