Repair a pitch mark without lifting the roots
A short routine for restoring the green while keeping the repair legal, quick and effective.
A fresh pitch mark is a small piece of course care that belongs to every golfer. Move the surrounding turf back towards the centre and leave a level surface. Excavating the dent damages the repair.
The repair
- Insert a normal pitch-mark repair tool around the outside edge of the depression.
- Push the surrounding turf gently towards the centre.
- Repeat from several sides using small movements.
- Tap the surface flat with the sole of the putter.
Avoid levering the centre upwards. That can tear roots and bring soil to the surface, leaving a repair that looks flat but recovers poorly.
Keep it reasonable
The Rules of Golf allow reasonable actions to restore damage on the putting green, using a normal ball-mark repair tool, tee, club or similar equipment, without unreasonably delaying play. The surface should return as nearly as possible to its original condition.
The current rule is explained directly in The R&A Player’s Rule Finder.
A useful habit
Repair your own mark and one other nearby mark while the group prepares to putt. It takes very little time, improves the surface for the players behind you, and keeps the action separate from your putting routine.
Good golf includes the condition in which you leave the green.
