Was just reading about some pet-peeves in the other forum and thought about mine. Its ball marks/divots, and the guys that don't try or even make an attempt to fix them.

What is the proper way to fix a ball mark on the green?
I heard that you wanna push towards the mark rather then lift up? Just seeing if I can get some clarification.

Definetly do not lift, you'll ruin the roots. Just put the pitchfork on the side of the pitchmark and gently push the grass back to the middle. Do that from four sides. Than use your putter to flatten.

If you repair it this way within, say, 10 minutes, it will heal within 24 hours.

Use this: http://www.markmender.com/ and you'll never have to worry about doing it right.

Matt

mwfaith1971 wrote:

Use this: http://www.markmender.com/ and you'll never have to worry about doing it right. Matt

I clicked on the link and was immediately sold. Bought two zinc models to start. Only concern I have is whether the thin zinc arms will snap if you squeeze too hard. In theory, I suppose that should not happen since, most larger ball marks happen on softer greens. But, lately, with little rain here in the northeast, the greens are harder than I can remember. Like concrete it seems. High shots from 120 yards out tend to barely dent the green, but on occasion one does and I'm hoping this tool will be strong enough to squeeze the sides back together. The concept is great. Can't wait to try it out. Thanks for the link Matt.

No worries Doug. I've had my aluminium one for about 4 years and it looks the same as it did when I bought it. I don't think you'll have a problem with it breaking.

Matt

check this.
From the GCSAA. The leading authority
http://www.gcsaa.org/solutions/facts/ballmarks.aspx

Print 'em and pass 'em around
http://www.gcsaa.org/files/divot.pdf

I have a Mark Mender in my bag. Interestingly, it's the first ball mark tool I've ever bought that I haven't promptly lost. That said, it works great for about 95% of the ball marks I make or come across. There are two that I struggle with.

One of them are the ones that make a huge mound on the backside. It seems that it works better to push the mound back down towards the center with either a tee or even my finger than trying to use the Mark Mender to repair them.

The other kind are the ones that have been there a while. Quite frankly, I've found that, on the courses I play regularly, if the ball mark isn't fixed within a couple of hours (especially on hot days), it becomes relatively permanent (meaning the grass will actually have to grow back in). Occasionally, I'll find an old ball mark thinking its mine only to find that I leave it in worse shape than it was. Now, of course, after a couple of weeks, it will heal (as opposed to never healing if no one fixes it), but for those two weeks, it will be an unsightly blemish. Of course, the ones that get fixed right away look good as new the next day.

Recently, I've had the privilege of playing some of the nicer courses in the area. It sure is something to come up to a green when my ball mark is the only ball mark on the green. It certainly makes me take a lot of pride in fixing it right. Now if only I could convince my playing partner that he is doing more harm than good by lifting at the center with his tee.

[quote="Bryan Kautzman"]
One of them are the ones that make a huge mound on the backside. It seems that it works better to push the mound back down towards the center with either a tee or even my finger than trying to use the Mark Mender to repair them.


Agreed. I just got my Mark Mender a week or so ago, and am having difficulty repairing the very large marks where the forward portion is a 1/2 inch above the surrounding surface, without tearing the roots. Otherwise, it works great. However, I think it will just take a little getting used to before even those are easily repairable with this great tool.

I took mine into our club pro to show it to him. He tried it out on the practice green after slamming a ball into it and was quite impressed. He asked for the website. I think he will be adding them to the store.

I played in a very light, on and off rain the other day. Used my mark mender to support the grip of my putter and/or wedge (when laying it down on the green) to keep the grip off the wet surface. Perfect tool for that.

Interestingly, I've taken to carrying a towel in my pocket for wet (or very sweaty) conditions. Even if I manage to keep my grips dry, I can't seem to keep my hands dry.

Glad to hear you're liking it Doug. They're also good for those of us that smoke a cigar while playing...excellent for keeping them off the chemicals in the grass.

Matt

mwfaith1971 wrote:

Glad to hear you're liking it Doug. They're also good for those of us that smoke a cigar while playing...excellent for keeping them off the chemicals in the grass. Matt

I may have to take up cigar smoking myself when I play in the early eve. The freakin' bugs here are often terrible then. I think the cigar smoke might help keep them away from my head if I keep the cigar in my mouth during my swing. Often wondered if that's even feasible. Otherwise, I might need to start carrying a citronella tiki torch in my bag and take it with me to each shot. Sorry for the off-topic commentary.

Matt, thanks for the endorsement on the Mark Mender. It really works well.

No good taking a swing with the cigar in your mouth...you worry too much about dropping it or burning yourself to make a good swing! I carry a small bottle of Off Outdoorsman (??) in my bag when the bugs get too bad...it seems to work a treat.

In regards to the ball marks that have that pile up at the back of them, I'll usually tap that part down so it resembles a "normal" ball mark, then use the mark mender "diagonally" from the "back" of the mark and repair as per normal.

Matt