Perfectly cutting a fresh hole is one of the most quietly satisfying jobs on a golf course. It’s a task that directly shapes the challenge and character of the green, setting the stage for every putt that follows. Whether you’re a greenskeeper aiming for tour-level standards or a dedicated golfer with a personal putting green, mastering this skill is essential. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right spot to setting the cup for a perfect finish.
Having the right equipment is the first step toward a clean, professional-looking hole. While it might seem like a simple task, using specialized tools not only makes the job easier but also protects the delicate turf of the green. Before you head out, make sure you have these items ready.
The placement of the hole isn't arbitrary, it follows a set of principles designed to ensure fairness, maintain the health of the green, and provide a varied challenge. A poorly placed pin can frustrate golfers and damage the putting surface over time.
Think about location with these guidelines in mind:
With your spot selected and your tools at hand, you're ready to make the cut. The key to this process is to be methodical and precise. A smooth, vertical cut is what we're aiming for.
Place your hole cutter centered over your carefully chosen spot. The most important part of this step is to ensure the cutter is perfectly plumb (which means perfectly vertical). If you cut the hole at an angle, the cup will sit crooked, and the pin will lean - a dead giveaway of a rushed job. Stand back for a moment and look at the cutter from two different angles (90 degrees apart) to confirm it is straight up and down.
Place one foot on the footplate of the cutter and apply steady, even pressure downwards. Use your body weight to do the work. As the blade enters the turf, you can apply a very slight twisting motion (no more than a quarter turn back and forth) to help it slice cleanly through the roots. Continue pressing down until you feel the cutter reach its stopping point, which means it has cut to its full depth. Avoid stomping on the cutter, a firm, constant push is more effective and produces a cleaner result.
Once you’ve cut to full depth, pull the hole cutter straight up. Bring your knees into it for a stable lift. The turf plug - the cylinder of soil and grass you've just cut - should come up cleanly inside the cutter. If it feels stuck, a gentle wiggle might help, but always pull vertically to avoid damaging the rim of your newly cut hole.
Now, you have a perfectly cut hole and the cutter contains the turf plug that will be used to patch the old hole location. Don't remove it just yet.
The job is only half done. Now it's time to set the new cup professionally and seamlessly repair the spot where the old hole was, leaving behind almost no trace.
Head over to the old hole location and remove the flagstick. Use your cup puller to hook the inside of the cup and lift it straight out of the ground. Take a moment to clear out any loose soil or debris from the old hole.
Carry your hole cutter (with the newly cut plug still inside) over to the old hole. Position it directly over the hole and use the foot ejector mechanism on the cutter to push the fresh plug out and into the old hole. The plug should fit snugly. Gently press it down with your foot until its surface is flush with the surrounding green. You might need to twist it slightly to get the grain of the grass to match up, helping it to blend in visually.
Go back to your new hole. Take your new, clean cup and place it inside. It should slide in easily. Now, grab your cup setter. Place it on top of the cup and use a mallet or the heel of your hand to tamp it down. The goal is to set the top lip of the cup approximately one inch below the surface of the green. This is incredibly important - it protects the cup from being hit by mower blades and prevents the ball from bouncing off a high lip.
At the old hole location, sprinkle a light layer of topdressing sand around the seam of the plug you've just installed. This fills any tiny gaps and helps the roots knit together faster. Lightly water the plug to help it settle and reduce stress on the turf. Finally, place the pin in your newly installed cup. Stand back and admire the clean, professional result!
Cutting a proper golf hole is a craft that blends technique, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the game. By using the right tools, thoughtfully selecting your location, and following a precise process, you can create a perfectly set cup that ensures a true roll and protects the long-term health of your green.
While meticulously cutting the hole sets up a fair challenge, a solid on-course strategy is what helps you conquer it. That's why we created Caddie AI. When you're facing a tough lie or a tricky putt on a green you're not familiar with, getting a second opinion can make all the difference. With our app, you can get instant, expert-level advice on everything from club selection to reading the break, so you can play with more confidence and turn good rounds into great ones.
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