Quantifying Divot Size and Type in Bermudagrass as Influenced by Golf Club Selection.

While a great deal of research has attempted to quantify divot recovery of various species and cultivars, very little research has attempted to quantify divot injury. The objective of this study was to quantify the divot size and type in warm-season turf as influenced by golf club selection. Using eleven different irons (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, PW, GW, SW, and LW golf clubs), fifty-five shots were hit by eight golfers from ‘Rivera’ bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) mown at 1.3 cm. Divots were also classified into three types and five severities depending on the level of damage from each club and the volume of each divot was also measured. Severity and volume varied by club with lofted wedges creating the largest divots. Severity and volume varied by golfer, but there were no correlations between these measurements and golfer ability (handicap). Visual severity ratings were closely related (R²=0.75; P=0.0057) with volume measurements indicating the usefulness of visual ratings for rapid assessment of divot injury.