Repairing Divots and Smoothing Bunkers
Most clubs require players to carry a sand bucket and use sand to fill any divot holes taken during play (including tee shots). Alternatively, clubs may prefer the turf be replaced, or the divot chopped in. If you’re not sure what the correct procedure is, ask before you commence your round.
Repair All Divot Holes
- Fill divot with sand.
- Level sand with foot or club.
- Avoid careless repairs: A careless repair can provide an unfair lie for other players.
- Avoid unlevelled divots: These may damage course equipment, result in poor lies, and will take the divot longer to repair.
- Replace turf: Some clubs may prefer the displaced turf to be placed back in the divot hole.
- “Chop-in” divots: Other clubs may prefer players to use the golf club to chop turf from the edge of the divot into the divot hole.
Note: Replacing or repairing divots is designed to get the turf growing again as quickly as possible. Failure to replace or repair a divot can add weeks to the time it takes turf to heal itself.
Smooth the Area After Playing From a Bunker
- Enter the bunker from the lowest point.
- Smooth the area and any footprints using a rake if available after playing.
- If a rake is not available, glide a shoe in a half-circular motion until the area is smooth.
- When leaving a bunker, do not pile sand.
- After use, return the rake in accordance with club policy (either in the bunker or outside the bunker) in the direction of play.
- Do not place the rake against the inside edge of the bunker, as this may cause difficult lies for other players and potentially awkward rules situations.
