The best way to fix a ball-mark you’ve never tried? Explains super

Many golfers correct the ball marks on the green with a tee or divot correction tool. But there is another method used by the prestigious private club.
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How do you fix ball marks on the green? Most likely with a tee or divot repair tool. Both methods are approved by superintendents. But just as golfers love to dive, course maintenance professionals love to explore, too.
Mark Patterson, superintendent at two Florida courses – Legacy Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch and Serenoa Golf Club – has been in the business for nearly 30 years, but he’s still learning, he’s still trying new techniques. Recently, he caught wind of a different way of handling his usual job. The news came to him from Friar’s Head, a prestigious private club on Long Island, where only caddies are allowed to fix marks on the green.
Their approach is unusual.
Instead of digging into the turf with a tee or repair tool and working in a circle to close the seal, they pour water into the divot and trim the edges by hand or with a putter. It is a less invasive method of smoothing the putting surface, which avoids the risk of tearing the roots of the turf. The idea is that it allows for faster healing.
“I definitely see the upsides,” says Patterson.
He can also see why it might be liked at a high-profile club that gets limited play. Whether it is true of busy social studies is another matter.
“My only question is how many golfers will carry enough water to do it,” he said. “But I was surprised at how well this method works.”
That’s the beauty of the game. Everyone is always learning something new.
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