How to Repair Divots on the Golf Course
We’ve all done it before. You’ve eyed your shot, set your stance, and finally, you take the crucial swing that puts your ball in motion – only to have a huge chunk of grass go right with it. Divots can be an all too common sight on the golf course, and even the most well placed shots cause disruption to the golf course.
In order to prevent numerous holes from littering the field of play, many courses will ask that you repair the divot you’ve created. Before diving into the proper way to repair divots on the course and the tools and techniques that should be used, it’s important to realize what exactly divots are and how they’re created on the golf course.
Golf Divots and What They Mean
Divots are depressions or damages created to the turf of the golf course by the stroke of your club, often times when the ball is struck at the point of full force. Divots most commonly occur either at the front of the point of where you’ve made contact or at the back from a poorly aimed or slowed down swing.
At the point that the ball is struck, part of the club head gets below the ground to get the ball off into the air while also sending a patch of the turf to the air with some soil attached to it. Therefore a depression, or small shallow pit forms on the ground.
Why You Should Fix Divots
Repairing and fixing divots not only helps to ensure the integrity of the golf course, but lends a helping hand to the grounds crew in charge of maintaining it. It’s also considered good golf etiquette for golfers to fix their own divots.
By repairing the divot yourself, you’re ensuring that the area affected will be able to regrow grass and recover at the soonest opportunity. However, it’s important that you understand just exactly how to fix a divot. If not, you may end up causing more damage than if you had not attempted to repair it all.
What’s The Process For Fixing Divots?
When it comes to repairing divots, the process is mostly straightforward. The first step involves identifying the area where the divot was created, as well as any pieces of turf that might still be in the area (whether loose or the entire disruption). After this, make sure to follow the guidelines of repair that have been outlined by the course. Some prefer that you strictly use a divot repair mix of sand and seed, while others might prefer that you also place the original layer of turf over the disruption. The most important part of the process in either situation is to make sure that you apply pressure to the area with the sole of your shoe to ensure that the roots take or the area is leveled correctly.
The Sand And Seed Divot Repair Mixture Filling
Most courses will keep their sand and seed mixture either in the golf cart or somewhere next to the tee box. Grab the mixture and begin to pour it into the divot. You’ll want to pour enough mixture in until the sand and seed is completely flush with the rest of the turf. Once finished, place the sole of your shoe over the divot and press down to level out the rest of the mixture.
Turf Refilling
With turf refilling, the goal is to locate the piece of turf that was cut by your iron during your stroke. Again, even if the turf is no longer in one piece, make sure to grab all the possible pieces of the disruption that you can.
Collect it, return to the divot, and place the turf back into the disrupted green. If you’re lucky enough to have it in one piece then your job is pretty simple. Just place it properly, tap it with your feet, and apply pressure so the roots take. If you have several pieces, then simply try to fill the hole as best as you can and level it with your feet.
How To Fix A Divot On The Fairway
A fairway divot is fixed by using the cut piece of the turf as well as some of the sand and seed mixture. The cut piece of the turf is first set on the divot. Next, attempt to level the area with the sole of your shoe. Finally, pour the mixture on top and attempt to level the area with your shoe once again.
All in all, every course has their own process and methodology for repairing divots. Before you play, don’t forget to check or evaluate with them exactly how they prefer to manage and care for their course.
