Replacing and Filling Divots
Also known as: replace a divot, replace my divot, replacing divots, fill a divot, filling divots, divot mix, sand and seed mix
On the fairway, put your divot back in its hole and press it down with your foot if the turf comes out in one piece. If it breaks apart, or the course provides divot mix, fill the hole level with the mix and smooth it. On tees, many courses ask you to fill divots with mix rather than replace them.
A replaced divot can take root again if it goes back the right way up and in full contact with the soil. Turf that breaks into pieces, common with some warm-season grasses, will not knit back. In that case a sand-and-seed mix from the bottle on your cart or bag is the better repair. Fill the hole level with the surrounding turf and smooth it with your foot. Overfilling leaves a mound that mowers scalp.
Caring for divots is etiquette rather than a Rule, and there is no penalty for skipping it. The Rules give no free relief for a ball that comes to rest in an old divot hole, unless the committee has marked the area. Do not replace or press down a divot in a way that improves the conditions for your own next stroke. That breaches Rule 8.1a. Repairing a divot that does not affect your shot, to care for the course, is fine.
On the range, place each new ball just behind the previous divot. The scars join into one narrow strip and the turf recovers faster than from scattered patches.
Tips by skill level
Carry the divot back, fit it in like a puzzle piece and step on it. If it falls apart, use sand mix if the course provides it.
On the range, start at the front of your area and hit each ball from just behind the last divot. One strip of divots heals better than a scattered patch.
Example
A golfer's iron shot from the fairway sends a full piece of turf forward. She walks to it, sets it back in the hole roots down and presses it flat with her foot. On the next tee, she fills her divot with the course's sand mix.
Why it matters
Unrepaired divots leave bare holes that other golfers' balls can finish in. Replacing or filling them keeps fairways playable for everyone.
Common mistakes
- Leaving divots unrepaired on the fairway
- Replacing turf upside down or in loose pieces
- Overfilling a hole with sand mix and leaving a mound
- Pressing down a replaced divot in front of your ball to improve your next shot
Frequently asked questions
Should I replace my divot in golf?
Yes, on the fairway if the turf comes out in one piece. Put it back roots down and press it flat. If it breaks up, or on tees, fill the hole with the course's sand mix instead.
How do you fill a divot with sand?
Pour sand-and-seed mix into the hole until it is level with the turf, then smooth it with your foot. Do not leave a mound.
Is it a penalty not to replace a divot?
No. Replacing divots is etiquette and course care, not a Rule. Skipping it does leave a bare hole for the golfers behind you.
Sources
Related terms
- DivotA divot is the strip of turf taken after impact with an iron. Its location and direction reveal your low point and club path — a free, visible feedback tool.
- Golf EtiquetteGolf etiquette comes down to safety, pace and care of the course. Wait until the group ahead is out of range, shout 'fore' if your ball heads toward anyone, and keep up with the group in front. Repair ball marks, replace or fill divots and rake bunkers after you play from them.
- Repairing Ball Marks and Spike MarksYes, you may repair spike marks, ball marks and almost any other damage on the putting green, even on your putting line. That includes shoe damage, old hole plugs, turf seams, scrapes from equipment or the flagstick, and animal tracks. You may not repair natural imperfections, such as aeration holes, uneven growth or weeds, or the natural wear of the hole.
- Raking BunkersAfter playing from a bunker, smooth your footprints and the mark from your shot with the rake. Then leave the rake where the course asks. Policies differ between courses. If your ball comes to rest against a rake, remove the rake and replace the ball without penalty if it moves.
- Deep DivotA deep divot is an unusually thick chunk of turf taken on an iron shot. It indicates a steep angle of attack or a low point too far behind the ball, and both cost distance and consistency.
Related guides & benchmarks
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