To repair a ball mark on a golf green, insert a repair tool or tee at the outer edge of the mark, angled toward the center, and gently push the top of the tool toward the middle so the surrounding turf moves inward. Work your way around the mark from several sides until the depression closes, then tap the spot flat with the sole of your putter. The key is to push the edges together rather than lifting the center, which tears the roots and leaves a dead patch. Under Rule 13.1c of the Rules of Golf, you can repair ball marks on the putting green at any time without penalty, and fixing your own mark plus one more is a simple habit that keeps greens smooth for everyone.
What a ball mark is and why it matters
A ball mark, sometimes called a pitch mark, is the small dent a ball makes when it lands on a green, especially from a high approach shot or on soft, wet turf. An unrepaired mark leaves a depression that can knock putts off line and damage the grass underneath. Grass in an unrepaired mark often dies and takes much longer to recover than a properly repaired one, leaving a bumpy, discolored scar. Greenkeepers frequently say that a correctly repaired mark heals far faster than one left alone, which is why fixing marks is one of the most important parts of golf course etiquette.
Tools you can use
| Tool | How it works | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Two-prong repair tool | Prongs slide in at the edge and push turf inward | The most common design and easy to carry |
| Single-prong or switchblade tool | Works the same way with a folding prong | Prong stays protected in your pocket |
| Tee | Use the pointed end in the same way as a prong | Fine in a pinch, though less efficient |
| Spring-style or flat-pronged tools | Designed to push turf rather than lift it | Some greenkeepers prefer designs that discourage lifting |
How to repair a ball mark step by step
- Find the mark. Look for your ball’s landing spot, which is often several feet short of where the ball stopped.
- Insert the tool at the edge, just outside the depression, angled toward the center of the mark.
- Push the top of the tool toward the center so the edge of the turf moves inward. Do not lift the soil upward.
- Repeat around the mark, working from three or four sides until the hole closes.
- Avoid twisting too hard, which can tear the grass roots.
- Tap the surface flat with the sole of your putter so it is smooth and level.
- Check the result. The mark should be flat with no visible depression or exposed soil.
Why you should not lift the center
One of the most common mistakes is pushing the tool under the mark and prying the center up. It seems logical, since it raises the depressed area, but it tears the roots from the soil below. The lifted turf then dries out and dies, leaving a brown patch that can take weeks to recover. Pushing the edges inward keeps the roots connected and lets the grass knit back together much more quickly.
How to tell if your repair worked
A good repair leaves the surface level with the surrounding green, with grass covering the spot and little or no bare soil showing. If you can still see a clear dip, work around the edges again and tap it down once more. If soil is exposed in the middle, the mark may be too large to close fully; push the edges in as far as they will go without tearing, then smooth the surface. When you return to the same green on a later round, a well-repaired mark is often hard to find, while a poorly repaired one may show as a small brown or sunken spot.
What the rules allow on the green
Rule 13.1c allows you to repair damage on the putting green without penalty, including when it lies on your line of putt.
| You may repair | You may not repair |
|---|---|
| Ball marks | Aeration holes |
| Shoe damage, including spike marks | Natural surface imperfections |
| Indentations from equipment or the flagstick | Grooves from vertical mowing |
| Old hole plugs, turf plugs and seams of cut turf | Natural wear of the hole |
| Scrapes or indentations from maintenance tools or vehicles | Damage caused by irrigation, rain or other natural forces |
| Animal tracks or hoof indentations | |
| Embedded objects such as stones or acorns |
You should only take reasonable actions to restore the green as closely as possible to its original condition. Repairing beyond what is reasonable, such as creating a path to the hole, can count as improving conditions and bring a penalty. Rules note: this summary follows the Rules of Golf published by the R&A and USGA; check the current official Rules for exact wording and exceptions.
Ball marks off the green
Balls can also leave marks on fringes, aprons and fairways. Outside the putting green, the Rules generally do not allow you to repair damage that could improve the conditions for your own next stroke, so repair such marks only after you have played your shot, if at all. Many golfers help the course by repairing divots and marks near the green once play has passed. Follow any course guidance on sand buckets or divot mix for fairway damage.
Golf course etiquette and helping the course
Many courses encourage golfers to fix their own ball mark plus at least one more. This small habit makes a big difference on busy courses where many unrepaired marks can build up over a single day. Carry a repair tool in your pocket rather than your bag so you always have it when you reach the green. Fix marks promptly, but do not hold up play; if your group is waiting, repair the mark quickly and return later if needed. Setting a good example also helps newer golfers learn the habit.
How weather and green conditions affect ball marks
Ball marks are usually deeper when greens are soft, such as after rain or heavy watering, and when approach shots come in high with plenty of spin. On firm, dry greens, balls often bounce more and leave shallower marks, although the mark may be harder to spot. Early in the morning, dew can make fresh marks more visible, while in the afternoon they can be easier to miss. Taking a moment to look for your landing spot on every green, whatever the conditions, ensures you do not leave damage behind.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Lifting the center of the mark. This tears roots and leaves a dead patch.
- Twisting the tool aggressively. Rough handling damages the turf further.
- Only fixing your own mark. Repairing one more helps keep greens smooth.
- Forgetting to tap it flat. A raised or uneven surface can still deflect putts.
- Repairing aeration holes on your line. These are natural conditions you must leave alone.
- Leaving your repair tool in the bag. Keep it in your pocket so you use it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct way to fix a ball mark?
Insert the tool at the edge, push the turf toward the center from several sides, and tap it flat with your putter.
Can you repair a ball mark on your putting line?
Yes. Rule 13.1c allows you to repair ball marks and most other damage on the putting green without penalty.
Can you repair spike marks on the green?
Yes. Under the current Rules, shoe damage, including spike marks, can be repaired on the putting green.
