Fixing Golf Ball Marks - Pushing vs Lifting

Pushing a ball mark to fix it is generally considered better than lifting it up from the bottom due to a few reasons:

1. Surface Integrity: Pushing the ball mark helps maintain the integrity of the green or playing surface. By pushing the mark from the sides, you minimize the risk of tearing or damaging the grass roots beneath the ball mark. This promotes faster healing and regrowth of the damaged area.

2. Minimizing Disruption: When you push a ball mark, you can gently and evenly raise the depressed area, ensuring it returns to its original level without causing additional damage. This helps to minimize any disruptions to the putting surface, ensuring a smoother roll for subsequent putts by you and other golfers.

3. Efficiency: Pushing a ball mark is a quicker and simpler method compared to lifting it from the bottom. It requires less effort and can be easily done with a tee or a ball mark repair tool that most golfers carry. It allows you to fix the ball mark promptly, maintaining the pace of play on the course.

4. Consistency: Pushing a ball mark helps maintain consistency in the repair process. When you push the edges inward, you restore the shape and contour of the green. Lifting from the bottom may lead to an uneven surface, making it harder to achieve a consistent putting experience for all golfers.