Divot tools

[jomatty]

I know this has been discussed a lot over the years but I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for.  Plus I enjoy revisiting some of these topics in a conversation I can participate in...on to the question

 

Does it make any difference what you use to fix divots?  I’ve always used a two pronged fork.  When my dad started teaching me the game 35 years ago, he gave me a divot tool well before I could hit a green and make a hallmark and explained the importance.  The one he gave me was a 2 pronged, standard fork type, so I’ve always gravitated towards them.  
 

Recently I couldn’t find my tool though and just used a tee.  I think it worked even better.  If not better, at least as good.  I’ve thought about buying a single prong divot tool but have been enjoying using a tee lately as it is one less thing to have in my pocket...

 

Does anyone have a specific type of tool that they think does a better job of fixing divots than any other method?  A lot of pros seem to use tees or something that looks like tees.  For those of you that use expensive Scotty tools, or something similar, do you think they do a better job or just enjoy the nice piece of kit (which I can totally understand)?

[Flying Dutchman]

I’ve always used the 2-prong. Feels like I have a bit more leverage. I used to have a real nice light-weight one, made from high strength aluminum. I think it was made by TurfMaster I believe. Now use the Scotty one that can be had at PGA Superstore for $15 or so.

 

Question: why is it called a divot tool? Divot is the piece of grass that comes out when we make a strike right? In Europe they call it a pitch mark repair tool, which is a mouth full but more accurate?

[Fairway14]

25 minutes ago, jomatty said:

 

 

Does anyone have a specific type of tool that they think does a better job of fixing divots than any other method?

 

I believe a tee works better than the two prong divot tools.

Edited October 23, 2020 by Fairway14

[jomatty]

36 minutes ago, Flying Dutchman said:

I’ve always used the 2-prong. Feels like I have a bit more leverage. I used to have a real nice light-weight one, made from high strength aluminum. I think it was made by TurfMaster I believe. Now use the Scotty one that can be had at PGA Superstore for $15 or so.

 

Question: why is it called a divot tool? Divot is the piece of grass that comes out when we make a strike right? In Europe they call it a pitch mark repair tool, which is a mouth full but more accurate?

I’ve never thought about the fact that it is not used for anything involving divots...

[Stuart_G]

Most pros are a poor example to use, most don't use the proper way to fix a ball mark.  They are more concerned about creating a smooth surface than they are the longevity or health of the green and potential damage to the root system.

 

I've always believe two prong tools are much more efficient at doing the job, which makes sense considering two prongs can get twice as much done as a single prong.    Other than that, for me the choice of a specific two prong tool has much more to how well it sits in my pocket than how well it does the job.

 

Edited October 23, 2020 by Stuart_G

[jholz]

I will use a tee to fix a ball mark in a pinch, but it is certainly not my preferred tool for the job. It's just too big, leaves giant holes and increases the chances of tearing the turf. 

 

There is a reason that a specific tool has designed and sold for the job - because the two pronged repair tool works better.

 

I'm currently using this style:

[cgasucks]

I prefer 2 pronged divot tools made out of metal (not plastic) and I really don't like using tees since it focuses on a smaller patch of green and not as easy on my hands.  I personally use a TM Divot tool with a built in ball maker (shaped like an R7 weight).  It is also curved and that really appeals to me since I can get more leverage in fixing the ball mark in less time.

 

 

[Celebros]

I use the the Pitchfix Fusion 2.5.  My preferred ball mark also fits perfectly in the magnetized spot.

 

 

[hybrid25]

More important than the type of tool is the proper procedure. 

[BYK]

seamus single prong has been a great pick up for me

[flip flappy]

I was thinking about this very subject today as I had to repair numerous pitch marks from my own and some that others had left. I used to use a 2 prong one that Keith Hills Golf course used to give out. I now just use a tee. I played a round with the super at a course I used to play and he always used a tee. I now play a different course more frequently and the super joins us occasionally for an afternoon round or a Saturday morning round. I believe I'll get his take on the proper way to fix one next time we play.

[2bGood]

I will actually switch the type of tool depending on the condition of the green. I find very firm greens respond better to being fixed with this type of tool, as the thin prongs access the turf better:

 

For softer greens I use the Cameron tool. I don't think it works better on soft greens than other tools, but I like the weight and feel of it.

 

 

 

Edited October 23, 2020 by 2bGood

[Stanks]

They all suck. Too big in the pocket or don't do a good job or ruin the green with the prong size or jab my leg while swinging. I just use a tee. 

[jomatty]

16 hours ago, Flying Dutchman said:

I’ve always used the 2-prong. Feels like I have a bit more leverage. I used to have a real nice light-weight one, made from high strength aluminum. I think it was made by TurfMaster I believe. Now use the Scotty one that can be had at PGA Superstore for $15 or so.

 

Question: why is it called a divot tool? Divot is the piece of grass that comes out when we make a strike right? In Europe they call it a pitch mark repair tool, which is a mouth full but more accurate?

I’ve never thought about the fact that it is not used for anything involving divots...

[coops]

I'm guilty of having done it wrong in years gone by... the incorrect pulling up way, which that Scotty Cameron tool seems to encourage in the way it looks.

 

I use a long wooden tee, it works fine and is already in my pocket anyway...

 

Edited October 24, 2020 by coops

[shoot4par]

Prefer single prongs but to each his own

[tiderider]

the divot tool from william murray is a great double prong tool ... the angled ones don't allow the leverage that a curved one allows ... the western birch tee is a great single prong tool ... very sturdy, not too slender ... a lot of single prong tools are a bit too slender to gain enough leverage ... 

 

 

[Cleveland_Rocks]

On 10/23/2020 at 10:49 AM, Celebros said:

I use the the Pitchfix Fusion 2.5.  My preferred ball mark also fits perfectly in the magnetized spot.

 

 

I hope that you have better luck with these than myself and playing group does.  We basically all have gone through 2 of these each before giving up on them and going back to Scotty pivots.

[Celebros]

Just now, Cleveland_Rocks said:

I hope that you have better luck with these than myself and playing group does.  We basically all have gone through 2 of these each before giving up on them and going back to Scotty pivots.

Yours are breaking?  I've had mine for a full year now without any issues.  <knocks on wood>

[Cleveland_Rocks]

Yep and some were the outer prongs and a few center prongs.  At first we all thought a isolated issue then it seemed to happen to all of us.  Loved and it and concept just didn’t work for us.

[Phireside]

Anyone using the Birdicorn or Vice ones?

[WillyL]

Love my Scotty Roller Pivot.  It clips on my pocket..... works great. 

Edited October 25, 2020 by WillyL

[Fairway14]

On 10/23/2020 at 5:38 AM, jholz said:

I

 

There is a reason that a specific tool has designed and sold for the job

 

Yes, money.

[hybrid25]

On 10/23/2020 at 11:47 PM, Stanks said:

They all suck. Too big in the pocket or don't do a good job or ruin the green with the prong size or jab my leg while swinging. I just use a tee. 

I understand where you are coming from but I have a pitch fix retractable that stores pretty good in my pocket. Sure, I would rather not have it in my pocket taking up the space but it doesn't do a bad job considering it also carries a magnetic ball marker with it. Actually, I dislike carrying a tee in my pocket because that pokes my leg even more and has put holes in my pocket. I personally don't like how  tees repair ball marks as they are generally  two large in diameter when poking into the ground, and a two prong always works better for me than a single prong. I'm always looking for a more efficient and comfortable way of carrying these necessities during a round. 

[Stanks]

24 minutes ago, hybrid25 said:

I understand where you are coming from but I have a pitch fix retractable that stores pretty good in my pocket. Sure, I would rather not have it in my pocket taking up the space but it doesn't do a bad job considering it also carries a magnetic ball marker with it. Actually, I dislike carrying a tee in my pocket because that pokes my leg even more and has put holes in my pocket. I personally don't like how  tees repair ball marks as they are generally  two large in diameter when poking into the ground, and a two prong always works better for me than a single prong. I'm always looking for a more efficient and comfortable way of carrying these necessities during a round. 

So, no less than a day after I made my post, I attended a charity scramble (don't ask the charity...I just wanted to play golf), part of the promotional gift back was a couple promotional divot tools and I liked them a lot. Rounded edges so no poking. Light. Easy to use. All the good things. I was a big fan. 

 

https://www.discountmugs.com/product/pcgrbdrt-round-top-rubber-grip-divot-repair-tools/?quantity=1&print_method=full_color&color=White&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=[ADL]+[PLA]+[Shopping]+-+Promotional&utm_term=PCGRBDRT-Custom-1&utm_content=srojFzpSN|pcrid|301366671267|pkw||pmt||pdv|c|slid||product|PCGRBDRT-Custom-1|pgrid|59967943677|ptaid|pla-589327803043|&mkwid=srojFzpSN|pcrid|301366671267|pkw||pmt||pdv|c|slid||product|PCGRBDRT-Custom-1|pgrid|59967943677|ptaid|pla-589327803043|&pgrid=59967943677&ptaid=pla-589327803043&i=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxNT8BRD9ARIsAJ8S5xYJCCNgkPnQuC432cCFtSf-sDsbjvi8ArG_xcvw8pYaeEekZkNBCK4aAp4hEALw_wcB

 

Not exactly like the ones in this link but, a smidge more compact in the fork part. 

[Sniperman]

By far, this is the best I have used to repair divots.  I like single prongs, too, but I think the curved horns hep!

[BSKND]

On 10/23/2020 at 6:35 PM, 2bGood said:

I will actually switch the type of tool depending on the condition of the green. I find very firm greens respond better to being fixed with this type of tool, as the thin prongs access the turf better:

 

For softer greens I use the Cameron tool. I don't think it works better on soft greens than other tools, but I like the weight and feel of it.

 

 

 

The top one (wire frame) checks a lot of key boxes for me.  I now use them exclusively after buying a bunch directly from Divvy Up golf earlier this year.  
 

They do a great job, are small enough to be unnoticeable in your pocket, and they’re inexpensive enough that you don’t mind losing one every couple of rounds.  

[drbonesvt]

On 10/23/2020 at 6:40 AM, jomatty said:

I know this has been discussed a lot over the years but I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for.  Plus I enjoy revisiting some of these topics in a conversation I can participate in...on to the question

 

Does it make any difference what you use to fix divots?  I’ve always used a two pronged fork.  When my dad started teaching me the game 35 years ago, he gave me a divot tool well before I could hit a green and make a hallmark and explained the importance.  The one he gave me was a 2 pronged, standard fork type, so I’ve always gravitated towards them.  
 

Recently I couldn’t find my tool though and just used a tee.  I think it worked even better.  If not better, at least as good.  I’ve thought about buying a single prong divot tool but have been enjoying using a tee lately as it is one less thing to have in my pocket...

 

Does anyone have a specific type of tool that they think does a better job of fixing divots than any other method?  A lot of pros seem to use tees or something that looks like tees.  For those of you that use expensive Scotty tools, or something similar, do you think they do a better job or just enjoy the nice piece of kit (which I can totally understand)?

 To be honest I really like the PXG one I picked up at my dads club 

 

pxg viper divot ( note I have zero pxg clubs )

 

[Phireside]

i like the look of that PXG one. 

[hybrid25]

Whoever needs a bottle opener these days?