In order to be good stewards of our home course it behooves us to take a refresher now and again on how to accomplish simple repair tactics.

For Fairway Divots

1. Check the divot's condition:

   • If the divot is intact: (a solid piece of turf with the soil and roots still attached), pick it up carefully. 

   • If the divot has broken into pieces, it is not effective to replace it. 

2. For intact divots:

   • Replace the divot precisely back into its original hole. 

   • Use your foot to tamp it down firmly to ensure the grass will root and knit back into the ground. 

3. For broken-apart divots:

   • Use the “sand & seed mixture” provided by the golf course to fill the spot. 

   • Fill the divot evenly: so the mix is level with the base of the grass. 

   • Use your foot to compact and smooth the filled area. 

For Pitch Marks (Ball Marks) on the Green

1. Use a Pitch Repair Tool (or a tee if one isn't available). 

2. Insert the tool behind the ball mark, not under it. 

3. Gently push the surrounding turf inward toward the center of the indentation. 

4. Repeat this process from all sides of the pitch mark. 

5. Do not lift or twist the turf, as this can damage the grass roots and cause scars or brown spots. 

6. Once the center is filled and the area is level with the green, gently tamp it down with your putter. 

7. Check for other marks and fix those as well to keep the putting green smooth and true. 

Video on proper repair of pitch marks on the green.