The Palm Post

Written by: Bennett Samowich

 

 

The greens are the undisputed jewels of our course. They are where dreams are made, putts are sunk (or missed!), and the quality of the turf directly dictates the pleasure of our game. Yet, after every round, our greens often bear the scars of battle: the dreaded ball mark.

 

While it might seem like a small detail, an improperly fixed or ignored ball mark is an injury that can take weeks to heal, creating bumpy, frustrating patches for everyone who plays after you. A properly fixed mark? It can heal in as little as 24-48 hours!

 

You are the first responder, the grounds crew's partner, and the key to pristine putting surfaces. Ready to be a turf-saving hero?

 

 

Before we get to the correct technique, let's address the most common mistake: Prying up the soil.

 

Many golfers mistakenly stick their repair tool in and use it as a lever to push the turf up. This rips the roots, tears the grass blade, and simply suspends the damaged piece of turf above the ground. It's like putting a bandage on a broken bone, it doesn't fix the real issue, and the spot will remain dead or uneven for a long time.

 

 

This is the technique championed by the United States Golf Association (USGA), and it is the single most effective way to heal a green quickly and completely.

 

1. The Entry Point: Insert your ball mark repair tool (or a simple tee) into the ground at the edge of the ball mark. Critically, do not insert it into the center of the depression.
2. The Gentle Push & Pinch: Gently push the edge of the turf inward toward the center of the mark. Repeat this motion from every side of the ball mark. Imagine you are closing a tiny circle. The goal is to stretch the undamaged turf surrounding the depression until it fills the hole.
3. The Smooth Finish: Once the depression is filled (it might look like a small mound), take your putter and lightly tap the area. This flattens the repaired spot and ensures a smooth, true surface for the next player.