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Rule 13.1c

Ball-mark

Also searched as: pitch mark, divot tool, repair tool, pitchfork, ball mark

The dent a landing ball leaves on the putting green. On the green you may repair ball-marks without penalty at any time, including on your line of play.

A ball-mark that is not repaired can take weeks to heal. Good etiquette means repairing your own and, ideally, one more.

On the putting green you may repair spike marks and other damage as well as ball-marks. If your ball is embedded in its own pitch-mark in the general area, you get relief, see embedded ball.

Step by step

  1. 1Insert the tool beside the mark. At the edge, angled inwards.
  2. 2Push the grass towards the centre. Work around the mark from the outside in. Do not lever up, it tears the roots.
  3. 3Tap it down. Lightly flatten it with the sole of your putter.