How to repair a pitchmark on a green

What the rules say :-

Rule 16-1c Repair of Hole Plugs, Ball Marks and Other Damage

"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 a ball or ballmarker is accidentally moved in the process of the repair, the ball or ball-marker must be replaced. There is no penalty provided the movement of the ball is directly attributable to the specific act of repairing an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball. Otherwise, the player incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a.2.

Any other damage to the putting green shall not be repaired if it might assist the player in their subsequent play of the hole."

It only takes a few moments to fix a pitchmark correctly, however, a pitchmark repaired incorrectly takes over 3 weeks to heal. Please study the diagrams on how to correctly repair pitchmarks. Correct repair will help protect the grass root system and benefit all the course and it's members.

Please remember to repair your pitchmark and at least one other every time you visit the green.

Right Way

  1. Discard the loose piece of turf taken out by the ball
  2. Insert the pitchmark repairer tool just outside of the back of the pitchmark
  3. Lever the turf towards the centre of the pitchmark
  4. Repeat this motion from all sides of the pitchmark
  5. Gently tap the repaired area with your putter. This action stretches undamaged turf over the pitchmark, providing instant recovery

 

Wrong Way
  1. DO NOT replace the loose piece of turf taken out by the ball. It will die and delay the healing process.
  2. DO NOT pry up the centre of the depression with the pitchmark repairer as it exposes the soil and will delay the healing process
  3. DO NOT insert the pitchmark repairer and twist it. This only breaks more turf loose