WATCH: Greenskeeper shares super satisfying green repair job – but chastises whoever caused it

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Greenskeepers are golf’s true MVPs for pulling off some of the most remarkable saves in the sport.

Is there anything more satisfying than seeing a green or fairway returned to its ideal state?

Like anything else in the sport, it also helps if you’re using state-of-the-art equipment to help you.

A lot of players have had the misfortune to come across course damage that greenskeepers haven’t got to yet and it’s not the best experience.

Imagine then being the man responsible for keeping the course in tip-top shape.

The golden rule of golf etiquette is ‘always leave the course in better condition than you found it.’

This is especially true of the green surface, and players should always endeavour to help keep the greens in good shape.

It is not just courteous to players following behind you to smooth up the putting surface, it’s also the best practice for turf maintenance. The environment, the kind of grass, and the amount of play all affect how well a green heals. Still, the main takeaway is that an unattended pitch mark ultimately turns into a permanent blemish that requires the grounds team to punch out and replace the damaged turf.

The toupee you’ve ripped out must be whole, or almost whole, in order to do a decent repair job on a divot. Reposition it and apply pressure. If there’s any void, surround it with sand.

According to groundskeepers, you may replace any old, torn-up grass you find, but only if it’s still somewhat damp. It is unlikely for a dried-out area of grass to sprout.

Many courses put sand buckets next to the tee box on par-3 holes. A clear sign that you should do your bit to fill in the holes.

To avoid leaving a trace of your footsteps on the putting surface, make sure to remove any sand from the bottom of your shoes before exiting a bunker and entering the green. Sandy footprints don’t harm the green because they constantly sand the surface, but they do stop putts from rolling smoothly. They offend the sense of beauty as well.

In general, try to leave the course in a good state; don’t remove markers, pull up stakes or take down ropes and markers without permission.

Respect for the course should be at the topmost in the mind of every player.

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