Seeded Divots
Repairing Pitch Marks
2008 Updated Local Rules
Seeded Divots
Please note the present relief from seeded divots also applies to seeded divots in the rough and should be strictly adhered to.
Temporary Local Rule:
If a player’s ball lies in or if the player’s stance or the area of his/her intended swing is affected by a seeded area or a filled divot, (A FILLED DIVOT IS NOT ONE WITH A GRASS DIVOT REPLACED – OR AN UNFILLED ONE) the ball MUST be lifted and dropped at the nearest point to where the ball lay which (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids interference and (c) is not in a hazard or on a putting green. The ball may be cleaned when so lifted.
Martin Reid
Asst Match Secretary
Repairing Pitch Marks
Repairing Pitch Marks – 22.04.2008
More and more pitch marks are found everyday with no indications of attempting repair
Whichever golf course we visit there are always the signs pleading players to repair pitch marks and to replace divots. It is always important for all players to carry out these repairs. Why? Well, it is a courtesy to the players coming behind you to leave the course in the condition that you would like to find it, but more importantly it significantly shortens the recovery time and keeps the fairways and greens in perfect condition. At Oak Park this is now even more essential to aid the recovery of our greens.
But, do you know how to correctly repair a pitch mark? A non-scientific poll in a golfing magazine recently indicated that very many players don't know how to do this without killing the grass and damaging the roots. Help is at hand – see below for the essential guide to repairing pitch marks, raking bunkers and replacing divots.
How to repair a pitch mark on a green
In order to keep greens in top condition it is essential that pitch marks be repaired as soon as possible. This is particularly important on all the greens at Craigie Hill to aid their recovery. You may repair any pitch marks on the green before putting including your own.
Rule 16-1 c.
Repair of Hole Plugs, Ball Marks and Other Damage
the player may repair an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball, whether or not the player's ball lies on the putting green. If the ball is moved in the process of such repair, it shall be replaced, without penalty. Any other damage to the putting green shall not be repaired if it might assist the player in his subsequent play of the hole.
Please study the diagrams below on how to correctly repair your ball marks. This will help protect the grass root system.
Right Way
 Discard the loose piece of turf taken out by the ball. - Use a pitchfork (preferable), knife, key or a tee.
- Insert the repair tool just outside the back of the ball mark.
- Pull the turf toward the centre of the hole. Repeat this same motion on all sides of the hole.
- Gently tap the repaired area with your putter.
- This action stretches undamaged turf over the ball mark, providing instant recovery.
 Wrong Way Do not replace the loose piece of turf taken out by the ball. It will die and delay the healing process. - Do not pry up the centre of the depression with the repair tool as it exposes the soil and will delay the healing process.
- Do not insert repair tool and twist it. This only breaks more turf loose.
If you have trouble with repairing your ball marks, ask the greenkeepers or Proshop staff to show you how to repair ball marks. They will be glad to show you how to repair them correctly.
Always remember, if your shot hits the green on the fly, there will be some damage. Find it, repair it, then look for and repair at least one other that someone else missed. If you notice any ball mark on the green that needs fixing, fix it.
When going into a bunker to hit a shot, you should enter from the lower edge of the bunker (A)….never enter from a high edge (B).
After hitting out of bunkers, they should always be raked smooth for the players who follow. When raking the bunker, you should first fill in the deep ruts made by your feet and club, then smooth the sand as evenly as possible. Try to avoid leaving rake teeth marks in the sand.
When finished raking, the rake should be positioned in the bunker, at the side nearest the rough (C), and in such a way that the handle can be easily accessible).
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