I am often asked about the proper method for dealing with divots. Each golf course may have its preferred method based upon geography, maintenance goals or desired turf. At Oconomowoc Golf Club, the preferred method is to replace the divot following a golf shot. Location (tee, fairway or rough) does not matter. If the divot has been destroyed and cannot be replaced, then fill the depression with the green sand provided. Bentgrass spreads laterally and it is very important to fill the divot depression completely with the green sand. The surrounding bentgrass can then spread evenly across the depression, resulting in a smoother surface.
The green sand is best used on tees and fairways. There is no seed within this mix and will not cause any problems if used in a rough area. Seed is not included within the mix due to the ongoing fairway conversion program. A variety of conversion products will harm or kill any new bentgrass seedlings and therefore would be a waste of money. In addition, any divot mix containing bentgrass seed could result in rough contamination as bentgrass is suited for greens, tees or fairways.
On average, studies have shown a bentgrass divot requires 16-24 days to recover 50%. In other words, a normal divot will heal to one-half its size every 2-3 weeks. Divot healing is not a fast process and could take months if the growing conditions aren't favorable (hot, dry). The quickest route to a healed divot is to replace the grass that was just removed by your golf club.
When in doubt…Replace the divot and give it a chance to grow.
Please visit the USGA educational video regarding proper divot etiquette: Divot Etiquette
If the link does not initiate the video, copy the following address to your web browser: http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/video/divot_etiquette.html
