What is a Golf Divot Tool? Everything You Need to Know
If you've played a round of golf, you've seen the damage an iron shot can do to a putting green. That small chunk of turf that gets displaced when your ball lands? That's a divot. And fixing it is one of the most important — and most overlooked — responsibilities every golfer has on the course.
That's where the golf divot tool comes in.
What is a Golf Divot Tool?
A golf divot tool, also called a divot repair tool, is a small handheld instrument used to repair pitch marks on the putting green. When a golf ball lands on the green from a high approach shot, it compresses the turf and leaves a small indentation. If left unrepaired, that mark can take weeks to heal and creates an uneven putting surface for every golfer who plays after you.
A divot tool has two prongs that you insert around the edges of the pitch mark and use to gently push the turf back toward the center — not up. Done right, the green heals within 24 hours. Done wrong, or not at all, it can take weeks.
Is Fixing a Divot Required?
It's not penalized if you skip it, but it's considered basic golf etiquette. Most serious golfers repair their own mark plus one more every time they're on the green. It's one of those small habits that separates golfers who care about the game from those who don't.
What Does a Golf Divot Tool Look Like?
Most divot tools are small enough to fit in your pocket or clip onto a golf bag. They typically have two pointed prongs and a flat base. Some have a single prong, some have a switchblade-style folding design, and some come built into a ball marker hat clip so you always have both on hand.
The most common materials are plastic and metal. Metal divot tools — especially brass and copper — are heavier, more durable, and hold up round after round without bending or breaking.
How to Use a Divot Tool
Using a divot repair tool correctly is simple but important:
Insert the prongs into the turf at the edge of the pitch mark, not the center.
Push the prongs gently toward the center of the mark, working your way around the edges.
Do not pry upward — this tears the roots. Push inward.
Once the turf is back in place, tap it down lightly with your putter.
The whole process takes about ten seconds and makes a real difference for the golfers behind you.
What is a Divot Tool with a Ball Marker?
Many golfers carry a divot tool with a ball marker attached — a two-in-one piece that covers everything you need on the green. You use the tool to repair your pitch mark, then flip it over and use the marker to mark your ball before picking it up. It's the most practical setup for anyone who wants to keep things simple.
At Willie's Golf Goods, our custom hand stamped divot tools come paired with a ball marker and are made from solid brass and copper. Every one is hand stamped to order — your name, a phrase, a logo, whatever you want on it. Built to last and made to be used.
Why Go Custom?
A custom divot tool is one of those things you reach for every single round. It makes sense to have one that actually means something. We've made them for groomsmen gifts, tournament players, golf clubs, and people who just wanted something on the course that felt like theirs.
Browse our custom hand stamped divot tools and find one built for your game.