Repairing a ball mark on the green: a small gesture that changes everything
You hit a superb approach shot. The ball rises, lands in the middle of the green… and leaves behind a beautiful impact mark. That’s the price of success! But beware: if this mark isn’t repaired properly, it can ruin the green for the rest of the season.
Why is it so important?
When a ball falls on the green, the turf is compressed, the roots are torn up and the ground digs in slightly. If nothing is done, the mark remains visible for weeks. Worse still, an unrepaired deep mark doesn’t heal at all: the turf dies in the center, leaving a dry crater that persists until the end of the season.
Inversely, a mark well repaired within a minute of impact closes completely within 24 hours. This is part of golf etiquette, as are the principles of “ready golf”.
The tool to have in your pocket
The secret lies in one little accessory: the pitchmark repair tool. It’s a tiny, lightweight tool that slips easily into a pocket or attaches to a keyring. Some models also act as ball marker, but their primary mission is simple: to level the turf.
The right way to repair
Here’s the method every golfer should master:
- Insert the pitchmark repair tool around the mark, all the way around the crater, never planting it directly in the center.
- Gently return the compressed portion of turf to the center, lifting it slightly to raise the crater.
- Circle the hole by pushing the turf back towards the center, this time without lifting it, to fill the void all around.
- Smooth it all out with your putter (or shoe) to return to a perfectly putted surface.
The principle is simple: we bring the turf back towards the center, not lift it like a clod. Lifting it too strong will tear the roots and delay healing.
What if the pitchmark isn’t yours?
Taking ten seconds to repair an extra mark or two on every green is a gesture of respect for the course and for other players. If everyone did it, the greens would stay smooth, fast and beautiful all season long.
In summary
A pitchmark repair tool in your pocket and a few precise gestures: that’s all you need to preserve the quality of your greens. This simple reflex shows your respect for the game… and it also improves your own putting conditions!
