Many golfers do not take the time to do the simple task of repairing pitchmarks, to the detriment of the course.

Repairing a ball mark makes a huge difference when you’re looking at the presentation of a course and who knows, it could be you that ends up having to putt over an indentation in the surface.

But getting the technique right is more important than you may think. By pushing the bottom of the divot upwards, you can end up tearing the roots, which kills the grass.

Instead, take your ball mark repair tool and insert the prongs into the turf at the edge of the depression. Then push the edge of the tool towards the centre in a gentle twisting motion.

By inserting the prongs vertically and twisting them, you’ll actually introduce air directly downwards into the soil, which helps the roots grow stronger, rather than damaging them by using the tool as a lever to push the bottom of the mark back upwards.

Ball mark repairing makes a real difference to the quality of course greens, both in the health of the turf and the consistency of the playing surface, all of which leads to a more enjoyable playing experience.

So remember:

Right – use the prongs to push grass at the edge of the depression toward the centre

Wrong – use the prongs as levers to push up the bottom of the depression

For more more videos in this series visit: www.golfshake.com/improve/tag/BIGGA/

This video was filmed in association with Golfshake and BIGGA (The British and International Golf Greenkeeping Association) at the Belfry in March 2017. 

BIGGA represents the Nation's greenkeepers and works hard through education and training to raise standards in golf course management throughout the greenkeeping profession. To find out more about the work BIGGA do visit: www.bigga.org.uk