Inside Golf - September 2010

September 2010 www.insidegolf.com.au...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ETIQUETTE

45
Repairing a pitch mark

Repairing a pitch mark on a green is one of the most effective ways to preserve the overall playing quality of a course. Here is how to do it properly. Your course super (and the golf gods) will love you for it!

Please don’t use things like pencils, spikes, knives or other items, as they can do more damage than good.

Step 5: Fix one more

Repair more marks! Always aim to repair at least one or two more ball marks on the green. Again, it only takes a few seconds, but can make all the difference to the course.

RichardFellner

WE get a lot of emails from players who grumble about the condition of top-tier golf courses these days – especially around the greens.

“How hard is it,” they exclaim “to repair a
simple pitch mark on the green!”
Indeed, unrepaired pitch marks are a pet
peeve of many golfers – especially as it is one of
the easiest things a player can do to help keep a
green healthy for future play.

It takes only a few seconds to fix a pitch mark,
yet I see so many players fail to do it (and they are
usually the ones who complain the most about
bumpy greens).

Step1: Look around

When you hit your approach shot, note where the ball lands on the green. This is often different from where the ball comes to rest. As you approach the green, begin searching for that spot.

Step 3: Push forward (Don’t lift)

Insert the ball repair tool into the outer edge of the mark, at a 45-degree angle. Gently work the turf back into place by pushing forward towards the crater, with a slight twisting motion. Note: Do NOT attempt to lift the bottom of the crater back up – this will tear the roots of the grass.