Golf courses are living, breathing works of art that need constant care to stay in great shape. Every time we step onto the course, we’re temporary caretakers, responsible for keeping it beautiful for whoever’s next.
Repairing divots and ball marks isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s basic etiquette that stops long-term damage and keeps playing surfaces smooth.
When we take a chunk out of the fairway or leave a mark on the green, it’s not just a tiny blemish. If we don’t fix it, that damage can mess up the playing surface for others and take a while to heal. The upside? Fixing it takes seconds, and anyone can learn how.
Course care isn’t about being perfect or shooting the lowest score. It’s about respect, for the game, the course, and other players who deserve good conditions too. Let’s look at the simple skills that set apart golfers who really care.
Key Takeaways
- Unrepaired divots and ball marks mess up playing surfaces for weeks and ruin the experience for others
- Fixing them right means using the right tools and methods to help grass heal and keep things smooth
- Good etiquette goes further: it’s also about how you use carts, treat bunkers, and show respect all around
Why Repairing Divots and Ball Marks Matters
Leaving divots and ball marks unrepaired causes lasting damage that affects everyone who plays after us. These small acts of care keep the course playable and show respect for the game.
Impact on Playing Conditions
Ball marks on greens mess with putting right away. If we don’t fix them, balls bounce off line and putting gets unpredictable for everyone.
Ball marks left alone take weeks to heal. In the meantime, they turn into rough spots that spoil the smooth surface we all want.
Divots in fairways leave uneven lies that can wreck a good shot. A ball landing in an old divot means the next golfer has to deal with a bad break for no good reason.
When the greens are soft, ball marks get deeper and more common. Wet conditions make the damage worse if we ignore it.
Par-3 holes, in particular, get hammered with ball marks all day. They really need extra attention.
Benefits for Course Longevity
Fixing divots the right way prevents long-term turf problems and helps grass bounce back faster. Replacing divots or filling holes with sand lets new grass grow strong.
If we ignore ball marks, they turn into weed magnets. Weeds spread and create headaches for everyone, including the grounds crew.
Superintendents count on us to help keep the course in shape. They can’t fix every mark or divot, no matter how hard they try.
Regular repairs mean less need for big, expensive renovations. That keeps greens playable and saves clubs a ton of money.
Healthy turf recovers from normal wear way better than damaged spots. Our efforts set off a positive chain reaction.
Respecting Fellow Golfers
Fixing our marks shows we care about everyone who comes after us. It only takes a few seconds, but it makes a world of difference.
Best practice? Fix your own ball mark and one extra nearby. If everyone did this, greens would look and play so much better.
Good course care sets the tone for new golfers. When beginners see us fixing things, they pick up those habits.
Golf etiquette isn’t just tradition—it works. Repairing divots and ball marks ties us to the game’s history of stewardship.
What we do on the course says something about us. Taking a little time to fix things shows we care about more than our own scores.
How to Repair Divots Like a Pro
How you fix a divot depends on the grass type and how the turf tore. Cool-season grasses often let you replace the divot; warm-season grasses usually need sand and seed mix.
Replacing Intact Divots
If you take a clean divot with roots attached, you can usually put it back. This works best with cool-season grasses like rye, bentgrass, or fescue.
Check the divot piece: are there healthy white roots? Is it mostly in one piece? If so, go ahead and replace it.
Fit the divot back in like a puzzle. Make sure it sits level with the surrounding turf. The edges should line up without forcing it.
After placing it, step gently and slide your foot back and forth to help the roots connect and smooth the edges.
If you can, water it lightly. On tee boxes, this method works especially well since maintenance is frequent.
Using Sand and Seed Mix
Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, zoysia, etc.) grow from sprigs, not deep roots. Replacing the divot doesn’t help since it won’t take root.
Sand and seed mix is the way to go for these grasses. Most courses have containers of mix on carts or by tee boxes.
Fill the divot so the sand is level with the turf. Too little leaves a dip; too much creates a bump.
Step on the filled area and slide your foot to smooth it out. This helps the seeds settle and keeps everything even.
The seed will sprout over time, filling in the spot. It takes longer, but it’s the right fix for these grasses.
When to Use Mix Versus Turf
Grass type matters, but so does the divot’s condition and where you are.
Replace the divot if it’s got roots, is in one piece, and you’re on cool-season grass. This works great in fairways with rye or bentgrass.
Use sand and seed mix for warm-season grasses, or if your divot is in pieces or dried out.
Course conditions matter too. In dry weather, even good divots might not survive replacement. The sand mix keeps moisture in and protects new growth.
Some courses offer both options. If you’re unsure, sand and seed mix works for almost any situation.
The Right Way to Fix Ball Marks
Fixing ball marks takes the right tool, a simple technique, and a bit of timing. Most golfers get it wrong and end up making things worse.
Using a Ball Mark Repair Tool
You need a tool to do this right. A dedicated ball mark repair tool works best, but honestly, anything pointed will do in a pinch.
The classic two-prong tool is ideal. It slides in without extra damage.
If you don’t have one, use a tee or even a pocket knife. The main thing is to use something narrow and pointed.
Other tools that work:
- Golf tees
- Single-prong tools
- Small screwdrivers
- Pocket knives
Don’t use anything thick or blunt. That just makes things worse.
Repair Techniques and Common Mistakes
Technique matters. Insert the tool behind the mark, not right into the middle.
Do it like this:
- Stick the tool at the edge of the mark
- Gently push the turf toward the center
- Work around the whole edge
- Tap it down with your putter
Biggest mistake? Lifting or prying up. That kills the roots and leaves brown spots.
Don’t twist or scoop. That just tears things up.
Push in from all sides until the depression fills in. The goal is to move healthy grass over the spot.
Timing Your Repairs for Best Results
Fresh ball marks heal fastest if you fix them right away. The turf is still soft and the roots haven’t been stressed.
If you leave them, ball marks can take up to three weeks to heal. Meanwhile, they mess up putts and let weeds in.
Fix your own ball mark and a couple more if you see them. It helps everyone.
When it’s soft:
- You’ll see more ball marks
- Repairs are even more important
- Be careful with your technique
Par-3 greens always need extra care—those approach shots do a number on them.
Golf Cart Etiquette and Course Protection
Golf carts are super convenient, but they can wreck the course fast if we’re careless. Cart policies change all the time, so it’s worth asking about the rules before you tee off.
Understanding Cart Rules
Cart rules aren’t just for show—they protect the course from damage. Always check with the pro shop or starter about current policies; they might change daily depending on weather or maintenance.
Some courses go cart path only when it’s wet or during winter. Others might block carts from certain holes being reseeded.
Common cart rules:
- 90-degree rule (stay on path until you’re even with your ball)
- Cart path only
- Fairways only
- Certain holes off-limits
Staff put up ropes and signs for good reasons. These mark spots where carts could make ruts or ruin new grass.
Cart rules might even change between the front and back nine, depending on what’s happening that day.
Avoiding Sensitive Areas
Wet or newly seeded areas marked by signs or ropes should be obvious off-limits, but people still drive through them. Look out for thin, soggy, or weak turf—that’s a sign to steer clear.
Always avoid:
- Edges of tee boxes and greens
- Naturalized spots and hazards
- Steep slopes where tires slip
- Any area marked with ropes or stakes
In dry weather, stay on paths to protect drought-stressed grass. When it’s wet, avoid compacting the turf.
Bunkers can be tricky—don’t park too close or in a way that makes things harder for other players.
High-traffic areas near popular pins or bottleneck fairways need extra care. Try to spread out your driving to prevent worn-out spots.
Driving Best Practices
Keep all four tires on the path as much as you can, even if you’re allowed in the fairway. This stops those ugly brown strips from forming.
If you have to drive on the grass, avoid sharp turns that tear things up. Go wide and gentle.
Tips for smart cart use:
- Enter and leave paths only at marked spots
- Don’t drive through puddles
- Don’t tailgate other carts on soft grass
- Park parallel to tees and greens
Knock sand off your shoes before you get in the cart after a bunker shot. Otherwise, you’ll end up tracking it everywhere.
If maintenance staff are nearby, make sure they see you before you hit. They’re focused on their work and might not notice you right away.
Bunker and Tee Box Etiquette
Bunkers and tee boxes need their own kind of care to keep them playable. Raking bunkers right smooths the sand, and looking after tee boxes keeps these high-traffic areas in good shape.
Proper Bunker Raking
We've all been there—standing in a bunker that looks more like a construction site than a golf hazard, thanks to the group ahead. Nobody wants to be the one who leaves chaos for the next group.
Enter from the low side and grab a rake as you go in if you can. That way, you won't waste time searching for one after your shot or make that awkward trek across the sand.
After your shot, rake out everything you disturbed. Use smooth, even strokes to level the sand, working from where you played toward the edges.
Key raking points:
- Smooth out all footprints and club marks
- Level any holes or small mounds
- Exit without dragging sand up the bunker face
When you leave, try not to pull sand onto the grass. That just damages the turf and leaves tough spots for others.
Rake placement depends on the course. Some want rakes inside bunkers, others outside. If you’re unsure, just leave it outside the bunker but away from where most balls would roll.
Knock sand off your shoes before stepping out. Sand on greens or fairways messes up play and can even harm mowing equipment.
Caring for Tee Boxes
Tee boxes take a beating—divots, ball marks, heavy foot traffic. With a little effort, we can help them recover.
Replace or repair divots right away. Most tee boxes have sand and seed mix in nearby containers. Fill the hole completely and level it with your foot or club.
If the divot chunk is still in one piece, put it back and press down. Fill in the gaps with the mix.
Move your tee around. Use different spots within the markers to avoid beating up the same patch.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Taking practice swings that dig up turf
- Walking on wet or stressed areas
- Ignoring divots because “someone else will fix them”
Pick up broken tees and toss them. Leftover tees can damage mowers and just make the place look messy.
Respect cart rules near tee boxes. Stick to the paths and don’t drive up close—especially if it’s been raining or the grass is dormant.
Polishing Your Course Care Habits
True course care goes beyond just fixing your own mess. The best golfers look for extra marks to repair, encourage others to help out, and keep the course clear of debris that gets in the way or ruins equipment.
Going Beyond Your Own Marks
Get in the habit of fixing extra ball marks or divots when you see them. As a rule of thumb, fix one more ball mark for every one you make.
If you’re waiting on the tee or between shots, scanning for missed divots gives you something useful to do. Those brown spots in the fairway won’t heal on their own.
Places to check:
- Around tee boxes where beginners take practice swings
- Busy fairway landing areas
- Near cart paths, where divots get overlooked
Carrying extra divot mix helps you cover those neglected spots. Most courses offer it, but bringing your own ensures you’re never caught empty-handed.
The putting green needs special care. While you’re reading your putt, fix any crater-like ball marks you spot.
Encouraging Good Etiquette in Others
You don’t have to be the golf police to make a difference. Leading by example goes a lot further than lecturing someone about divots.
If you’re paired with newer golfers, offering to show them how to fix marks usually goes over well. Most people want to help—they just don’t know how yet.
Some good ways to approach it:
- “Want to see a quick trick for fixing ball marks?”
- Quietly demonstrating while you fix your own
- Sharing some divot mix or a tool if someone doesn’t have one
With regular playing partners, try making a game out of it—see who can fix the most forgotten divots in a round.
Golf carts are another teaching moment. If someone’s about to drive through a soggy patch, a simple “looks pretty wet over there” usually does the trick.
Handling Trash and Miscellaneous Debris
Broken tees left on tee boxes are a hazard for mowers and just look sloppy. Pick them up when you see them.
Overflowing trash cans? Instead of adding to the mess, just hang onto your waste until you find an empty bin or reach the clubhouse.
Debris worth addressing:
- Cigarette butts and cigar tips
- Sunflower seed shells (especially on greens—yikes)
- Plastic bottles and wrappers
- Damaged golf balls and gloves
Cart paths collect a surprising amount of litter that blows out of carts. A quick pickup on the way to your ball takes almost no effort but makes a difference.
Nobody expects you to clean the whole course, but taking care of obvious problems as you go shows respect for the course and everyone playing. Little actions really add up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Golfers ask about divot and ball mark repair all the time. Knowing the right way to do it keeps the course in shape and shows respect for everyone else.
What's the actual step-by-step to fix a pitch mark like a pro?
Grab a divot repair tool or golf tee. Stick it behind the ball mark at an angle.
Gently push the turf toward the center from all sides. Don’t lift or twist up—it damages the roots. Just push in from the edges.
Once the edges are pushed in, tap it flat with your putter. The area should be smooth for the next group.
Got a favorite divot repair tool, or can I just use any old tee?
Any pointed tool works. Golf tees are totally fine—lots of people use them.
Some folks like the two-pronged tools with ball markers attached. They’re handy, but not essential.
It’s really about using the right technique. Honestly, I’ve seen people use keys, pencils, even broken tees, and it works.
After hitting a stellar fairway shot, how do I properly replace my divot to keep the course pristine?
If the divot’s still together, put it back right away. Press it down with your foot so it reconnects with the soil.
Fill any gaps with sand mix if you have it—that helps the grass grow back smoother.
Some courses just want you to use sand mix, not replace the divot. If you’re not sure, ask the pro shop.
Always smooth it out so it’s playable for the next person. A lumpy fix doesn’t help anyone.
Is there some secret greenskeeper knowledge for repairing ball marks correctly?
Honestly, the biggest “secret” is fixing marks right away. Fresh marks are way easier to repair.
Greenskeepers will tell you: bad technique can do more harm than just leaving the mark. Never pry up—you’ll kill the roots.
Always work from the edges in, not upward. Think of it as gently coaxing the grass back together.
Superintendents recommend fixing one extra mark. It’s a small thing, but it pays it forward.
What's the deal with fixing ball marks on the green? Is there a rule or is it just good manners?
It’s mostly good manners, not a hard rule. But if you don’t fix ball marks, it can mess up other people’s putts.
Golf rules let you fix ball marks and old hole plugs on your line. You can’t fix spike marks or other damage.
If you leave marks, they scar the green for weeks. That’s not fair to anyone.
Good golfers always fix their own mark and a couple more if they see them. It’s just part of being a decent golf citizen.
Can you give me the lowdown on the etiquette of divot repair during a casual round vs. tournament play?
Honestly, the basics don’t really change whether you’re just out with friends or in a tournament. Fix your divots and ball marks every time—no exceptions.
Sure, tournaments might move a bit faster, but it only takes a few seconds to repair the turf. Don’t rush past it for the sake of speed.
Sometimes you’ll see extra sand containers or tools at tournaments. If they’re there, use them. Why wouldn’t you?
You’ll notice the pros take great care of the course. It’s worth following their lead, even if you’re just playing for fun.