How Augusta National repairs ball marks, according to Ben Crane

Follow Ben Crane’s advice to repair ball marks the Augusta-National way.

Instagram: @bencranegolf

Repairing a ball mark on the green is simple, right? It’s something golfers seem to believe they can execute proficiently. But all it takes is a spin around your local course to realize that most players have a lot to learn.

The telltale signs of a poorly-repaired mark? A small, hollowed out-depression in the green. A small circle of dead grass. Sometimes both!

That’s why PGA Tour veteran Ben Crane took to Instagram with a helpful PSA on the ideal way to repair a ball mark, courtesy of the venerable Augusta National.

Crane’s video begins with a quick look at two badly-repaired marks.

“That’s clearly ripping up the roots,” he said.

“What’s the proper way to actually fix a ball mark? I learned this by the guys at Augusta National,” Crane continues. “When there’s a ball mark like this, we put a hole in the middle of the ball mark, push the roots out to the side.”

While he’s speaking, Crane demonstrates placing a tee in the ball mark and making a circular motion with it. Then, he gently presses the area around the mark with his fingers.


photo of 3 divot repair tools

Ball marks won’t stand a chance with these 4 ultra-efficient divot-repair tools

By:


Jessica Marksbury



“Then you can literally just push around the edges and maybe bring it in slightly with the tee.”

Crane finishes the job by poking at the mark a few times with his tee to even the surface before tapping down lightly on the area with his putter.

“But I ripped no roots, and you literally will not even know what happened.”

There’s no denying Crane’s A+ work on that ball mark.

“So, how do we do it?” he concludes. “Make a hole in the middle, push the roots out to the side, and then you just kind of work it in. And that’s how you fix a ball mark. Let’s stop rippin’ roots and makin’ brown spots all over the green.”

And there you have it! While Crane demonstrates with a tee, some players prefer the ease of using a divot-repair tool. Check out one of our favorite models below.

All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team.
If you buy a linked product,
GOLF.COM may earn a fee. Pricing may vary.

6126721 Birdicorn Heavy Copper 172cfecf 4b30 42a6 9f0d c5c0ef7f27c2

Heavy Edition – Divot Repair Tool

$20

The Birdicorn Divot Tool Heavy Edition has 6 distinct functions in 1 sleek design to help golfers of all skills levels
Fix ball marks, draw a line on your golf ball, practice your putting, open bottles, hold your favorite birdicoin, and keep your grips dry
All tools include a neutral colored birdicoin. Tools are also designed to fit your favorite existing 1″ coin


Buy Now

View Product

jess2

Golf.com Editor

As a four-year member of Columbia’s inaugural class of female varsity golfers, Jessica can out-birdie everyone on the masthead. She can out-hustle them in the office, too, where she’s primarily responsible for producing both print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s inaugural Style Is­sue, which debuted in February 2018. Her origi­nal interview series, “A Round With,” debuted in November of 2015, and appeared in both in the magazine and in video form on GOLF.com.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

Golf Products Review
Logo
Shopping cart