The CSGA Links Volume 5 Issue 2 June 2017 | Page 51

This article is reprinted from the April 7th, 2017 USGA Green Section Record.
Copyright United States Golf Association. All rights reserved
it, making sure to push the divot back into the scar
with your foot to enhance rooting. However, if the
divot explodes into pieces and cannot be replaced,
fill the divot with the divot mix provided by the
maintenance staff.

When using divot mix, it is important to avoid
over or under filling divots. Under filling a divot will
result in a depression that affects golf ball lie. On the
other hand, overfilled divots will damage mowing
equipment and create poor playing conditions. To
properly fill a divot, bend over and directly place
divot mix in each divot, making sure the divot mix
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does not spill onto undamaged turf. Add divot mix
until it is even with the base of the adjacent turf.
Finally, just as with replacing divots, use your foot
to compact and level the divot mix. This will provide
better soil-to-seed contact to enhance germination
and seedling survival. The USGA Course Care video,
“Divot Repair Etiquette,” demonstrates the basics of
divot repair for both warm- and cool-season grasses.
Make sure to check with the pro shop staff before
teeing off for the preferred method of divot repair
at your course. And remember: to fill, or not to fill,
there is no question.
CSGA Links // June, 2017 | 51