Fix pitch marks

When a ball lands on the green it can leave a small dent. Fixed quickly it heals in a day or two; left alone it can take weeks and makes putts bounce off line.

1. 1

   Spot your mark

   As you walk onto the green, look for a small crater near where your ball landed.

2. 2

   Push the edges in

   Put a pitch mark repair tool (or a tee) into the ground just outside the edge of the dent and gently push the turf towards the centre. Work your way around the mark.

3. 3

   Don't lift the middle

   Avoid prising the centre up — that tears the roots. You're pushing the sides together, not lifting.

4. 4

   Tap it flat

   Finish by gently tapping it down with the bottom of your putter so it's level.