TPC Deere Run Agronomy

To Replace, or To Fill: that is the question?

As the seasons come and go on a golf course many things remain constant. One of specific concern is that a golf course will always have divots. From an agronomic standpoint, we recognize that they are a part of the game and understand they can create an unfavorable playing lie. This constantly begs the question of how to repair divots.  Requirements from course to course can differ, but the agronomy team at TPC Deere Run respectfully asks all players to repair divots in this manner:

1. Replace your divot – when divots are large or in one piece with some soil intact on the underside, please replace these divots and firmly step down the divot allowing for adequate adhesion of damaged turf area. This reduces the risk of the divot drying out and allows it to root.
2. If divot is unable to be replaceable, please use the green sand containers attached to the golf carts. Fill the exposed soil area to the point where the sand is slightly below the level of the turf.  Use your foot to smooth and level the sand.

In the picture above you can see the large divot that is intact. This can and should be replaced.

In this picture, you can see the mound of sand. This can damage mowers and leave an unfavorable playing condition on the course. 

This is exactly what we would like to see if the divot isn't replaceable.

While at the practice facility tee you don’t want to put yourself in harm’s way, by chasing your divots while other players are practicing. The following are guidelines that will address what divot patterns should be used when practicing and warming up. 

This solid divot pattern, is an incorrect way to warm up or practice. Turf will take an extensive amount of time to recover and fill in with this method. 

The scattered pattern is more acceptable then the first but is still not the most desired. It uses more surface area then the first but allows for a quicker recovery of the turf grass.

The preferred strip pattern uses the least amount of surface area, and allows for the quickest recovery time.