Divots are the scars left in the fairway when the iron shots dig up the turf during a shot. The turf that flies off is also referred to as divots. The top layer of the turf gets sliced off and the scar or patch of bare earth is created in the fairway. A good divot will start from where the golf ball was at rest. If it starts from behind the ball, it means that you have mis-hit the shot. A good divot is the one that is sheared off very cleanly and thinly and remains in one piece.
Why Repair the Divots?
· Replacing the divots or repairing them is designed to get the turf growing again quickly.
· In case the divot is not replaced or repaired, it adds to the time taken by the turf to heal.
Repairing divots is one of the important duties of the golfers who create them. Repairing it makes it easier to recover fast. There are two ways in which you can repair a divot. You either fill the scar with a mixture of sand and seed or retrieve the sod patch and use it.
If you are supposed to use sand to fill the divots, you may need to check the golf cart. In case the course wants you to use sand, it will be provided to you. The mixture will be provided to you in a carafe that looks like a large cylinder. The cup holder is attached to the frame that holds up the roof of the golf cart. Fill the divot with it and use your foot to smooth it by tamping it down.
In case there is no container of sand, it is an indication to use the turf back in place. Find the turf that was sliced and retrieve it as best as you can. If it was a clean shot, you may find the turf in one single piece. You can then fit it in the proper place. If it is in a single piece, you will have to fit it in the same way it came out. If there are more pieces, then you will have to try and fit it neatly as best as you can. Tamp it down with your foot as it will secure it nicely.
It is not necessary to repair the divots as a rule. This is because there are certain types of grasses which do not repair. There is no difference even if you repair the golf turf. In such cases, it is better to leave the divots as it is.
The correct way to repair a divot differs depending upon the location of turf and the type of turf. It may help if you ask what is proper before you start playing. Courses with actively growing Bermuda grass may prefer to fill the divot with sand rather than the replace it.
