The short answer? No. Or at least that is the impression you get when you watch the USGA official video on how to fix ball marks.
We have heard through the grapevine that single prong tools may be better for the grass. In reality though we agree that it really doesn't matter what kind of tool you decide to use. It just needs to have a pointed end so that it can get behind.
We listed some good options for divot tools that we found on Amazon that are all under $20. Now we feel safe in saying that you have no excuse at all to be leaving any ball mark on the green unfixed. We found both single and double pronged. Pick the one you like and enjoy!
ITEM LINKS - All are Amazon Affiliated
Callaway Single Prong Divot Tool: https://amzn.to/3UDkEJr
Callaway Triple Track Divot Tool: https://amzn.to/3HkxZhs
Callaway 4-in-1 Divot Tool: https://amzn.to/3JrXP5H
Blue Tees Golf 6-in-1 Tool: https://amzn.to/3wK0AIa
Birdicorn 6-in-1 Tool: https://amzn.to/3RfONL7
Extreme Hawk 7-in-1 Tool: https://amzn.to/3kYnNn1
NOTE: All price and review info is based on the time of posting. The numbers may have changed since the creation of this article. All links to Amazon on this page are part of the Associates program which gives us commissions, thanks for your support!
TRANSCRIPT:
When it comes to golf course etiquette one of the first things every golfer learns to do is repair ball marks on the putting green doing so helps ensure a smoother and truer cutting surface for everyone and helps keep the grass healthy.
While no one disputes the need to fix ball marks opinions vary on the best means of doing so arguments are made for using various repair tools the truth is ball marks vary in their shape and severity so there is no one best tool in fact virtually any pointed tool will work as long as the proper method of repair is performed.
The ultimate goal is to restore a smooth surface and allow the turf to heal quickly to start insert a ball mark repair tool or almost any pointed tool into the soil behind the rear of the ball mark at about a 45 degree angle and gently pull the top of the tool toward the center continue working around the ball mark gently pulling the surrounding turf in toward the center until the indentation is filled in this should be done three or four times anything more generally adds injury to the already damaged turf use your putter or your foot to gently tamp down the repaired area to make it smooth and level with the rest of the green.
If the mark is close to the hole location use your putter since even spikeless shoes can leave marks on the surface avoid prying actions that tear live roots and bring soil to the putting surface this causes significant damage and greatly slows recovery some marks are so severe that the grass is literally torn from the green in this case small holes can be covered by carefully stretching the surrounding turf into the void the damage may still be visible but the ball role will be restored and the grass will eventually fill the void remember ball marks are often far away the point where the ball lies so always check the front of the green for damage the most courteous players fix their own ball mark and at least one other.
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