Trevor Ng
Repairing a golf divot is a simple process, but it needs to be done in a certain way to ensure the grass grows back. If the divot still has soil attached, it can be replaced and pressed down with your foot to help the turf roots make contact with the soil. If the divot has no soil attached, it cannot be replaced and should instead be filled with a mix of sand and seed, or just sand, depending on the grass type. This should then be pressed down with your foot to create a smooth playing surface.
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What You'll Learn
When to replace a divot
If the divot has no soil attached or has shattered into small pieces, it cannot be replaced and will not heal properly. In these cases, the best option is to fill the divot with a mix of sand and/or seed. The type of divot mix used depends on the course and grass type. For example, on a bentgrass/rye fairway, replace divots in the rough and use sand on the fairways. In summer, seed may not germinate, so a sand mix is preferable.
It is important to repair divots to help the turf recover quickly and restore a smooth playing surface. An unrepaired divot can take months to heal and may never fully recover. Repairing divots is also beneficial for other golfers, as it maintains good playability and sets a positive example of caring for the course.
Some golfers recommend replacing divots after every single shot, regardless of their condition. This ensures the roots can re-attach quickly, and the divot will grow back faster than if just seed was used.
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How to fill a divot with sand
Filling a divot with sand is a common practice on golf courses to speed up turf regeneration and make the process of repair easier. Depending on the type of grass and the divot, it may be advisable to fill the divot with sand or a mixture of sand and seed.
Firstly, check with the golf course if they have a divot policy in place and follow it. If they do not, then you can decide whether to fill the divot with sand or replace it with the grass divot. If the grass will likely die, filling it with sand is a better option. If the divot has shattered into small pieces, it will not grow back properly and should be filled with sand.
If you decide to fill the divot with sand, use a sand bottle or satchel provided by the golf course. If no sand is provided, you can bring your own bottle of sand. Mix the sand with grass seed if you have it—this will improve seed-to-soil contact, stop seeds from blowing or washing away, and aid drainage during germination.
When filling the divot, add the sand or sand-seed mixture until it is slightly below the height of the adjacent turf. Then, smooth the mixture and press down with your foot. Be careful not to overfill the divot, as this can create issues with playability and damage mowing equipment.
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What to do if the divot has soil attached
If the divot has soil attached, it is a good candidate for replacement. Simply place the divot back into the hole in the correct orientation and press it down firmly with your foot. This establishes good contact between the turf roots and the soil, which helps the divot to heal. It also creates a smooth playing surface.
However, if the divot has only a small amount of soil attached, it may be more easily knocked out by fairway mowers, especially in hot and dry conditions. In this case, it is recommended to hold the divot in place with two or three tees pushed down to ground level. This will prevent the divot from popping out when mowers pass over it.
If there are any significant gaps between the divot and the surrounding turf, fill them with a mixture of sand and seed, or a divot mix. This will help the turf to knit back together and promote faster regrowth.
It is important to note that the decision to replace or fill divots may depend on the grass type and climate. Some grasses, such as creeping bentgrass, Bermuda, and seashore paspalum, are more aggressive growers and have a better chance of survival when replaced. On the other hand, slower-growing grasses like fescue may be better off being filled with a sand and seed mixture. Additionally, seed may not germinate in hot and dry conditions, so filling a divot with sand and seed may not be effective in these situations.
It is always a good idea to check with the golf course staff or the golf shop to see if they have any specific divot-repair policies or preferences.
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How to smooth the turf after replacing a divot
Repairing a divot is important for maintaining a smooth playing surface and helping the turf recover quickly. If the divot still has soil attached, it can be replaced by firmly pressing it into the ground with your foot. This helps establish good contact between the turf roots and the soil, aiding the healing process.
However, if the divot has shattered or has no soil attached, it cannot be replaced and will not heal properly. In this case, it is best to fill the divot with a mix of sand and/or seed. The specific mix will depend on the course and grass type. Pure sand may be used, or a mix containing seed to aid in recovery. When filling the divot, add the mix until it is slightly below the height of the surrounding turf. Then, use your foot to gently step on the filled divot and swipe or drag your foot back and forth to smooth out the mix and level it with the turf. This process helps to ensure a firm, smooth surface for better playability.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest that simply replacing the divot without adding any sand or seed is sufficient, as the roots can re-attach quickly. However, others recommend using sand or seed, especially if the divot has shattered or has no soil attached. Checking with the golf course or referring to instructions provided by the course is advisable to determine their preferred method for divot repair.
Additionally, properly repairing divots sets a positive example of caring for the golf course and ensures a pleasant experience for fellow golfers. Taking a few extra seconds to ensure the divot is repaired correctly can make a significant difference in maintaining the quality of the playing surface.
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What to do if the divot is shattered
If a divot is shattered, it cannot be replaced and expected to heal properly. In this case, the best option is to fill the divot with a divot mix. The divot mix may be pure sand or it may contain seed to aid in recovery, depending on the course and the grass type.
Regardless of the mix, the way to fill a divot is the same: add the mix until it is slightly below the height of the adjacent turf, smooth the mix, and press down with your foot. It is important to take the time to get the level right. Too little mix will create poor playability and may not allow the divot to heal fully, while too much mix can create playability issues and damage mowing equipment.
By repairing a divot, you are helping the turf recover and restoring a smooth playing surface. It is an easy way to care for the course and help others enjoy their game.
Before starting your round, it is a good idea to check with the golf shop or the individual course to see if they have any specific divot-repair policies or if they provide divot mixture boxes or bottles.
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Frequently asked questions
If there is no soil attached to the divot, it cannot be replaced and expected to heal properly. In this case, the best option is to fill the divot with a divot mix, which may be pure sand or contain seed depending on the course and type of grass.
Add the divot mix until it is slightly below the height of the adjacent turf, smooth it out, and then press down with your foot. It is important to get the level just right—too little mix may prevent the divot from fully healing, while too much mix can create playability issues and damage mowing equipment.
If the divot is intact with soil attached, simply replace it in the correct orientation and press it firmly into the ground with your foot. This helps establish good contact between the turf roots and the soil, aiding the healing process.
Properly repairing divots helps the turf recover quickly and restores a smooth playing surface. An unrepaired divot may never fully recover and can create a poor playing experience for other golfers.
