Divot in Golf

What is a divot in golf?

The divot is the piece of turf and soil that the club lifts when striking the ball. The official French term defines it as the clump of soil removed by the clubhead at the moment of impact (the final “t” is not pronounced). In golfers’ slang, it is also colloquially called a escalope.

By extension, the term “divot” is also used to refer to the hole left in the fairway, which English speakers more precisely call a “divot hole.”.

Why do we make divots?

With irons and wedges, the club must make contact with the ball on the way down. The lowest point of the swing arc is therefore just past the ball: the club strikes the ball, then enters the ground and takes a thin layer of turf with it. This is a sign of compressed contact, which produces a consistent trajectory and spin.

With a driver, on the other hand, the ball is placed on a tee and struck at the bottom of the arc or slightly on the upswing: you don't normally take a divot.

What does a divot reveal about your shot?

A divot is an excellent teacher because it shows where and how the club made contact with the ground.

A divot isn't necessary to hit the ball well: some players with a shallow angle of attack merely graze the grass. The key is that the club makes contact with the ground. after the ball.

How do you replace a divot?

Repairing damage you cause on the course is part of golf etiquette. Depending on the course and the club's guidelines:

1. Pick up the root ball if it is still intact.
2. Put it back in its hole, the right way up, with the roots pointing down.
3. Pack it down with your foot so that it can make contact with the ground again.
4. If the root ball has crumbled, fill the hole with the mixture of sand and seeds that is often provided (in a container on the golf carts or at the starting line), then smooth it out with your foot.

Some courses require that you do not replace the divots and always use the mix: follow the instructions posted in the takeaway or in the clubhouse.

What should you do if your ball is in a divot?

According to the Rules of Golf, an unrepaired divot is not an abnormal condition of the course: there is no free clearance. The ball is played as it lies, unless the committee has marked the area as a penalty ground.

To play this shot: Move the ball back slightly in your stance, keep your weight on your front foot, and swing down through the ball decisively, allowing for a slightly lower trajectory and more roll.

What about the driving range?

Instead of leaving divots scattered all over the place, line them up: place each new ball right behind the previous divot to create a narrow strip. The grass grows back faster, and the spot remains playable for the next players.