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Replace your divots

A divot is the chunk of grass your club can take out. Left alone, it leaves a bare scar — and the next golfer's ball might end up sitting in it.

  1. 1

    Find the chunk

    After your shot, walk forward and pick up the piece of turf if it's in one piece.

  2. 2

    Put it back and press down

    Place it back in the hole, grass side up, and press it down firmly with your foot.

  3. 3

    Or fill it with sand

    If the turf broke up, or your course provides a sand-and-seed bottle on the buggy or bag, pour it into the hole until it's level and smooth it over with your foot.

  4. 4

    Follow the course's way

    Some courses prefer sand only. Check the scorecard or ask in the pro shop — they'll be happy you asked.

Taking divots is normal — even the pros do it. Leaving them is what people notice.

Quick check

Your divot shattered into lots of little pieces. What's best?