Perfect green instead of moonscape: The guide to pitch mark repair

How often has this happened to you? A perfect Putt that suddenly leaves its line just before the hole and sneaks past. The cause is often not magical power, but an inconspicuous dent in the green: a pitch mark that has not been repaired properly. But the good news is: every golfer can make a big difference with a little knowledge and effort.

What is a pitch mark and why is it so important to repair it?

A pitch mark is more than just a superficial dent. When a golf ball hits the green, it breaks through the turf, damaging the roots and soil below. Depending on the speed and angle of the impact, the pitch mark can become longer and push the grass aside.

Why a prompt repair is crucial

Repairing a pitch mark quickly is crucial because time plays a big role in healing the green.

• Immediate repair: If you repair a pitch mark immediately, the green can recover within 24 hours.
• Delayed repair: If a pitch mark is not repaired within a day, it can take over three weeks for the grass to grow back. During this time, the damaged area is susceptible to weeds and pests that can damage the entire green.

Unrepaired pitch marks not only affect your own game, but also that of all other golfers. They create an uneven surface on which balls can be deflected off the Putt line. They also make course maintenance more difficult for Greenkeepers and restrict the possible positions for the flags. An intact green is the reward for a well-maintained course.

Step-by-step: How to repair a pitch mark correctly

The correct technique is quick and easy, but it's important to avoid a few basic mistakes. The most common mistake is to lever the grass upwards, which damages the roots and leaves an unsightly brown scar. Instead, carefully push the grass inwards from the sides.

Follow these steps to repair a pitch mark correctly:

1. Remove loose pieces of grass: If the impact has ripped out pieces of grass, simply remove them from the green.
2. Insert tool: Insert the Pitchfork tool or a golf tee into the green behind the pitch mark at an angle of about 45 degrees.
3. Push the grass inwards: Now gently push the grass inward from all sides (starting from the back) of the pitch mark until the center is filled. Carry out this movement from all sides of the dent.
4. Smooth the surface: Finally, carefully tap the repaired area flat with your Putter. This will flatten the surface and speed up the healing process.

What do the rules of golf say?

Many golfers are unaware that the Rules of Golf explicitly allow pitch mark repairs without risking a penalty. Repairing a pitch mark on the green is therefore not only permitted, but also encouraged.

However, there is one important exception that is often misunderstood: If your pitch mark is on the pre-green (fringe) and lies in your line of play, you may not repair it before the next shot. On the green itself, however, repairs are permitted at any time.

Conclusion: Your small contribution to a better game

Repairing pitch marks is one of the easiest ways golfers can contribute to the maintenance of their course. It only takes a few seconds of your time, but has a huge impact on the quality of the green. So after every shot on the green, take the time to repair your own pitch mark - and preferably one or two nearby. This will help to ensure that you and all other golfers have a perfect putting experience.