How to Read Divots

Golfers seek any advantage they can find when it comes to improving their game. One way a golfer a can discover why his shots are going off target is by the looking at his divot. A divot is the clump of grass separated from the turf as the golfer swings the club through the ball. It can give excellent information about a golf swing, but the golfer must know how to read the clues the divot provides. Armed with this information, a player can make any necessary swing adjustments.

Things You'll Need

  • Golf clubs
  • Golf balls
  • String
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check the spot where your divot landed. A divot that lands to the left of the target means that you are pulling the ball. Move back from the ball so the arc of your swing allows you to hit the ball sooner, according to "Golf Illustrated" magazine.

    • 2

      Locate the hole left in the ground from your swing and check the angle in relation to your target. If it angles toward either side of the target, your swing path needs adjustment, teaching professional Rob Stanger says. Practice swinging to make your divots go straight down the path to your target.

    • 3

      Check the depth of the divot hole. A good swing with take a divot just at the grass roots. If the divot is deeper than this, you are hitting too much of the ground at impact. Adjust your swing to take less of a steep angle when the club strikes the ball. A shallow divot indicates your swing did not strike the ball at a steep enough angle. Adjust your swing accordingly.

    • 4

      Check the consistency of the depth of the divot. A divot should have equal depth on both sides. A divot that is deeper on one side than the other might indicate your clubs do not fit you properly.