golfrewind.com

i've been using a regular ball mark repair tool from sports authority, and it works fine on wet/damp greens, but when i play a course with really dry greens, it tends to tear up the roots and ruin the green, so i've started just tamping the green down with my putter (dont hate me, i know its bad), so i was wondering where should i buy a new device...no golf shop around here has anything very different than mine (no really sharp one) is there a place online to buy one? also, how do you fix the spike marks caused by golf shoes (when you're lining up a putt or anything)...i've been tamping it down with my putter, but i dont know if thats enough...thanks for the advice

First off, make sure you are using the proper method to repair the mark...
http://golf.about.com/cs/tipslessons...irballmark.htm

And make sure you have a good tool...
http://www.google.com/search?hs=oCP&...ol&btnG=Search
http://www.google.com/search?hs=GZ4&...er&btnG=Search

Lastly, the rules of golf don't allow you to fix spike marks before putting...
http://www.usga.org/playing/rules/bo...le16.html#16-1

However, if you're just playing alone or in a casual round then you might waive this rule and simply tap down the spike mark with the sole of the putter unless it's a bad one, in which case you'd repair it the way you would a ball mark.

Shade

oh, no, i meant after i putt, how do i fix my spike marks, not other people's...so the tamping down is okay, usually they are pretty light marks...as for the ball mark tool, where can i buy a good one...there were a lot of listings...

I have one that I got from Wal-Mart chromed metal with two (about 1 1/4" long) forks got a ball marker built in if you care to use. Cost about $1.99 I think been a while since I bought mine.

I would suggest looking at the next course you play. I use a repair tool from a course I play at. Usually you can get a mark that fits with the tool also at other courses so you can switch it up. Almost every course I have played has them. As far as your spike marks, I would say there is really nothing to do here(assuming you are just walking on the green and not dragging your feet) My other suggestion would be to repair your ball mark and fix another one also when your one the green to help keep the course nice.

I saw this link a while back when it was posted in another thread, and was surprised that I had been doing it wrong for years (if this link is describing the proper way!). However, watching the pros, week after week, I see them all doing the exact same thing I always did - insert tool at edge of mark, push down on back of tool to lift depressed area, tamp it down with the putter.

Lately I've been trying the "right way" -inserting around the edge, pushing outer edge toward middle, then tamp down. Doesn't always make as smooth of a repair as the other way, but maybe I'm still doing it improperly.

EDIT: Decided I needed to find out how to do this right, so did a search, and found this wonderful new tool:
http://www.markmender.com/

I'm going to order one and let y'all know what I think. If any of you already have one, let's hear about it!

One of the best ball mark repair tools I have used so far is available on-line. It is called a MarkMender. It is a great tool, and I have not looked back since buying one. I even gave one to my club pro, and he uses it religiously now. Their website is : http://www.markmender.com

oops! Just saw you reply on this, it is a great tool, it even holds your stogie while you are putting or hitting!

One thing I noticed very early with this tool is that it is very quick to use, and ger accustomed to.

I use the Scotty Cameron pivot tool. Best pitch mark repair tool I've ever used, and it's very easy on the greens.

http://www.scottycameron.com/webstor...reations/32250

Looks like it is designed to do exactly what you ARE NOT supposed to do - pry up on the indentation.

Yeah it does look like that, but it really doesn't let you do that because of the angle of the blades. I like it because it's bigger than most repair tools and it's very comfortable to use. It really does a good job NOT damaging the greens.

That's what I was thinking! The simple ones that most golf courses have for about a buck work just fine...

Looks like a great tool and easy to use.

The MarkMender looks like it comes with a ball marker of your choice. How does it clip onto the tool? Is it magnetic? Does the ball marker have a little spike in the back so it sticks into the ground and doesn't move? Just wondering.

It is magnetic. I super-glued mine on, it seemed to want to fall off quite a bit when using it. Plus, I have my Ohio State Hat clip/marker.