How to Fix a Divot in Golf

A pristine fairway is one of golf's simple joys, but a well-struck iron shot often leaves a mark behind: the divot. Properly repairing that patch of displaced turf is one of the most important yet commonly misunderstood duties of a golfer. This guide will walk you through not only the a-to-z of fixing a divot correctly every single time, but also the important why behind this act of good course stewardship.

Why Fixing Divots is So Important (Hint: It’s Not Just About Making it Green Again)

Most golfers assume we repair divots so the grass will grow back. While true, that's only scratching the surface. The number one reason we fix divots is to restore a level, playable surface for other golfers. An unrepaired divot scar, even after the grass has filled back in and it looks green, remains a depression in the turf. If another player's ball comes to rest in that old scar, they are unfairly punished with a poor lie for hitting a good shot into a fairway.

Think about it from a course maintenance perspective. When divots are left open, they become perfect little collecting bins for weed seeds and can be susceptible to turf diseases. Repairing them properly helps keep the turfgrass healthy and consistent. This not only makes the course more enjoyable for everyone but also reduces the effort and cost superintendents must expend to keep conditions pristine. Taking 15 seconds to professionally repair your mark is a sign of respect - for the course, its maintenance staff, and the golfers who will play after you. It's a foundational part of golf etiquette that separates seasoned players from rookies.

Dispelling the Myths: What Not to Do When Fixing a Divot

Before we walk through the right way to fix a divot, let’s clear up some common but incorrect methods. We’ve all seen other golfers attempt these, and you may have even been taught one yourself, but they often do more harm than good.

The "Stomp and Go"

The most common mistake is simply stomping down on the edges of the divot hole. The intention is good - press down the "proud" edges - but the result is often terrible. Stomping violently compacts the soil underneath. Compacted soil makes it incredibly difficult for grass roots to penetrate and grow, which can kill the surrounding turf and leave an ugly, bare spot for weeks. It’s better than doing nothing, but barely.

Incorrectly Replacing the "Pelt"

If you take a nice, clean divot that stays in one piece (we call this a "pelt"), it’s a wonderful thing. But just tossing it back into the hole isn’t enough. If it's placed upside down (dirt side up) or laid loosely without being pressed down, the turf will likely die. Its roots won't make contact with the soil and it will dry out, leaving a brown, "scalped" tile in the middle of a green fairway.

The Sand Mound

Many carts and tee boxes provide a sand and seed mix for divot repair, which is fantastic. However, a common error is overfilling the divot hole. Mounding the sand up above the level of the existing turf is just as disruptive as leaving a depression. A mower will catch the high spot, scalping it and scattering the sand, dulling the expensive mower blades in the process. Remember, the goal is to create a level surface, not a mini-bunker or a small burial mound.

Understanding Your Divot: The Square Pelt vs. The Bacon Strip

Not all divots are created equal. As a coach, I can tell a lot about a player's strike by looking at their divot. Understanding what kind you’ve created can inform how you repair it.

• The Square "Pelt": This is the textbook divot. It's shallow, uniform in depth, and stays in a single, cohesive piece. It looks a bit like a neat patch of sod. This type of divot indicates a sweeping motion and a well-compressed golf ball. The great news is that these are the easiest to repair because you can often replace the original turf.
• The "Bacon Strip" or Shattered Divot: This type of divot is often deeper, less uniform, and either explodes into smaller pieces or comes out as a long, thin strip. This can be caused by a steeper, "choppier" angle of attack. Because it doesn't stay intact, you can't replace it. This divot always requires the sand-and-seed method.

Recognizing the difference is a small detail that helps you make the best decision for the course on every shot.

The Simple but Essential Tools for Divot Repair

You don't need much, but having the right tool for the job is helpful. For fairway divots, your primary tools are:

• Your Foot: Your foot is your primary tool for gently tamping a replaced divot pelt into place. Use the sole of your shoe for even, smooth pressure.
• The Sand/Seed Bottle or Box: Most courses provide this on carts or tee boxes. The mixture inside is specifically formulated to help the native turf grow back in quickly. It typically contains sand (to provide structure), soil (for nutrients), and grass seed suited to the course.
• A Divot Tool: While its primary purpose is repairing ball marks on greens, a divot tool can also be used to carefully pull the high edges of a divot hole inward before adding sand, helping to minimize the size of the repair.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Fixing a Fairway Divot

Now, let’s bring it all together. Here is the correct procedure, depending on the type of divot you’ve taken.

Scenario 1: You Have a Clean, Replaceable Divot ("The Pelt")

This is the best-case scenario. When your divot comes off in one or two clean pieces, it can often be "replanted."

1. Retrieve the Divot: Carefully pick up the piece(s) of turf right away.
2. Orient It Correctly: Place the pelt back into its original hole, grass-side up. Make sure it fits snugly, like a puzzle piece. If you picked it up quickly, you should easily be able to see how it belongs.
3. Press It Down Gently: Use the sole of your shoe to press the divot down firmly but gently. The goal is to make sure the roots have good contact with the soil below and that the surface of the divot is flush with the surrounding turf. Do not stomp on it! One or two firm presses is all you need.
4. Add Some Insurance (Optional): If you have a sand bottle, you can sprinkle a very light coating around the edges of the replaced pelt. This helps fill any tiny gaps and holds moisture, giving the pelt an even better chance of re-rooting and thriving.

Scenario 2: Your Divot Exploded or Can't Be Found

This is extremely common, especially in dry conditions or with a steeper swing. In this case, don't go searching for the pieces. The sand-and-seed mix is your go-to method.

1. Prepare the Hole: Before pouring any sand, look at the edges of the divot hole. They can sometimes be "puffed up." Use the clubhead or your foot to knock the raised turf inward and down into the divot hole. This simple action subtly reduces the overall size of the bald spot you need to fill.
2. Fill with the Mix: Grab the sand bottle from your cart (or the sandbox if located nearby). Fill the divot hole with the mix.
3. Get the Depth Right: This is the important part. Fill the divot so that the mix is level with or just slightly below the surrounding soil. It should be flush with the bottom of the turf leaves. You want to avoid creating a mound. A level surface allows rain, sun, and mowers to treat that area just like the rest of the fairway.
4. Smooth it Out: Use the sole of your shoe or the clubhead to smooth the mixture evenly across the depression. You’re done! You've just created a perfect seedbed for new grass to grow and kept the surface level for other players.

Final Thoughts

Practicing good etiquette by properly fixing your divots is a non-negotiable part of the game that shows respect for the course and your fellow golfers. By understanding whether to replace the pelt or use the sand/seed mix, and by always aiming for a level surface, you contribute to better playing conditions for everyone who walks the same fairways.

Doing the small things right, like fixing a divot, is part of thinking your way around the golf course. That same on-course awareness is what we aim to provide with Caddie AI. When you're facing those tricky lies that can cause big divots, or you’re unsure about club selection for a difficult approach, our app gives you instant, expert analysis to help you make a better decision and execute a cleaner shot. It's about giving you the confidence that comes from knowing you have a smart play, every time.