What is a divot in golf?

A divot is the chunk of turf (or the scar in the grass) that can come up when an iron strikes down through the ball. You’ll also hear “replace your divot” or “fill with sand” — course care, not a skill rating.

What to do

• If a clean piece of turf came out, replace it and tap it down with your foot
• If the course provides a sand/seed bottle on the cart, fill deeper scars when that’s the local custom
• On tees, many courses prefer sand fill rather than replacing a torn piece — follow what you see others do, or ask the shop once

Permission

Taking a divot does not mean you “got under it wrong.” Many solid iron shots take a shallow strip of turf after the ball. Caring for the scar is how you belong. Missing a repair once is human; making a habit of walking away from torn ground is what courses notice.

Related guides

• Golf etiquette for beginners
• Range etiquette for beginners
• What to bring to your first round
• Pace of play for beginners
• Start here