OK...
Being new to this, I know how to handle the divots so long as I have the mix. I usually try to replace what was scalped off if at all possible.
About ball marks, and forgive my ignorance. Exactly what are they and how do you fix them?
I HAVE NOTICED THAT ON PRIVATE CLUBS WHERE THE MEMBER HAS AN INTEREST IN KEEPING THE COURSE NICE, MEMBER MAINTENANCE IS MUCH BETTER, MY HOME COURSE IS THE GREENS OF GREENVILLE. IT WENT PUBLIC A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND AS SOON AS THAT HAPPENED, YOU STARTED SEEING DIVOTS ALLOVER THE PLACE AND TONS OF UNREPAIRED BALL MARKS ON THE GREENS.
I see this problem a lot at the muni where i play every weekend in the summer. i agree, it probably is due to players who try to get around in the least amount of time humanly possible. the beginning of the season i find the course in much better shape than the end. pablo my friend, i think what is referred to as ball marks are those nice looking little indentations on the greens from well struck, towering shots that fall from the sky onto the greens. those are meant to be repaired with some sort of tool, anything from a proper divot tool to a plain old tee or anything in between.
Boy, is this a can of worms. Divots are, and probably always will be a problem until those playing learn the that it is one of proper etiquette to repair that divot with what was hit out of the ground, or replaced with , what some are using, a mixture of sand and seed that is on the cart or some other means of filling the hole.
Ball marks are another matter. We discussed this an earlier posting and I learned how to repair them in a way in which the mark self-repairs in a shorterr time than what has been used in the past. Instead of sticking the repair tool into the mark and lifting the grass and/or sod back into place as has been done in the past. one places the repair tool into the sides of the mark and gently twists the mark back toward the center and does not lift any of the sod. This does not tear the roots loose as had been previously done and recovery time for the green is cut by 2 to 3 weeks. Also, if the mark is such that part of the sod has been torn out, do not replace the sod, but again place the repair tool into the center of the mark, twisting it several times and then removing the tool and any material caught in the tool. Then again take the tool, make several small twists aroung the mark toward the center gently moving the remaining good sod toward the center of the hole and tamp the spot down. This was taught to me by the grounds superintendent and course pro at my current home course. It takes a little more time and care, but the greens stay in better shape, you aerate the green and repair it so it self-repairs in much shorter time than in the past.
When I'm waiting for the others in the group to hit on I fix my,and others divots.It's an unfortunate reality that others don't take care of the course.But the divots aren't going to fix themself,and it also gives you time to clear your mind for the next shot.As opposed to over-analizing it.
Lie Ty, I take advantage of the time waiting to tee off, hit from the fairway, or putt to clean up divots and ball marks. This is probably to to my wanting to keep playing on well kept courses and having spent almost 30 years in the landscape industry.
i can tell a huge difference as well in the private courses against public courses. its just about taking pride in stuff. people don't do it that much anymore. thats why i like playing at the private course or semi private course.