From the tips… with Derek Ingram

Posted: 1:00 AM CDT Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010

Fixing Ball Marks

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This article was published 04/08/2010 (5762 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Fixing Ball Marks

GREAT players are also excellent role models when it comes to rules and etiquette. One of the most important etiquette tips is to fix your ball marks on the putting green after you hit a nice, high iron shot onto it.

Greens are so expensive to build and maintain, that simply repairing your ball mark will make a big difference in maintaining their quality. To do so, use a tee or divot tool to lift the centre of the divot up all the way around the mark until it is level with, or slightly above ground level, then tap the mark down with your putter. Not only is this a courtesy to other golfers but this will help keep them in really good shape. The general rule of thumb is to repair your ball mark and one or two others when on the green. You will appreciate it when you hit a perfect putt and it continues to roll smoothly into the centre of the hole, not bump off line and miss.

Other points of golf etiquette are activities such as raking the bunkers after being in the sand trap or replacing divots on the fairways.

Also when marking your ball on the greens be sure to place a coin directly behind the ball and then proceed to pick the ball up and clean it etc. Picking up the ball and then placing the coin down is a violation of the rules of golf — as you do not know the exact location that your ball was in. Following these etiquette tips and others, will help everyone enjoy the game more.

Derek Ingram is the Head Coach of Golf Canada’s National Women’s Team and the Teaching Professional at the Elmhurst Golf and Country Club in Winnipeg. He is a two time winner of the Canadian PGA’s Teacher of the Year award and recognized as one of the top golf instructors in North America. You can sign up for his newsletter or get more information on lessons, clinics, golf schools and corporate outings at www.derekingram.com.