Taking divot during practice swing

Hi Guys

I have this habit of taking a divot during my practice swing to remind myself to hit down. I wish to know if this is ok and not violating any rule. Anyone knows? Thanks

chuangyee wrote:

Hi Guys

I have this habit of taking a divot during my practice swing to remind myself to hit down. I wish to know if this is ok and not violating any rule. Anyone knows? Thanks

It's ok as long as your repair it after that.

There are rules and there are etiquette. 

There is no rule saying that u cannot take divot on practice swings.

However, golf etiquette frowns upon that.  Imagine a person taking 5 practice swings and creates 5 divots before taking another one during the actual swing.

Best not to divot during practice swing.

i dont think the pros take divots during practice swings, perhaps except when chipping

Denmeister wrote:

There are rules and there are etiquette. 

There is no rule saying that u cannot take divot on practice swings.

However, golf etiquette frowns upon that.  Imagine a person taking 5 practice swings and creates 5 divots before taking another one during the actual swing.

Best not to divot during practice swing.

Completely agree.

One of my kaki takes bigger divots on practice swings than actual swing. I know cannot fault him….but just somehow I feel that it is in-appropriate.

I try to bruise the grass on practice swings.

I'm one of those guilty of taking divots for practice swing. It helps me check my swing path and direction, especially on uneven lies. I think it's a useful drill, though one should repair all divots that he makes.

I am one who do not take divot while practise swing. Maybe tt is y my irons are lousy. haha...

I don't create divot or ground the club when taking practise swing ... But I would graze the grass when executing a practise swing with my wedge (for out of rough shot or chipping) ...

I was taught when I first took up the game that divots should not be taken for practice swings. Chipping is OK as no divots and only brushing against the grass.

If u have the habit of practice swing prior to taking a shot, make sure u do it for every shot.

I usually dun do practice swings unless the lie is not good or I m not comfortable/unsure of the situation. But I make sure that my swing will brush the ground instead of taking a divot bcos it tells me I m swinging the club smoothly instead of holding/griping too tightly.

Always have the habit of repairing ur divots as u will never know one of these days ur ball might land in a divot which might cause u a stroke or two.

That's just me.

Was told to show more etiquette by not taking divots during practice swings.

1 is bad/good enough for the actual swing.

Thanks for the replies. I just wanted to make sure. I have got friends who constantly break rules (feeling the grain of the grass on the green). I will surely repair the divots.

Being a beginner I can understand, sometimes accidentally take a divot during practice swing but I think as long as we repair it, it's OK. Just my opinion.

I don't see any problem in taking a divot with a practice swing. But, I think folks who take lots of practice swings should be given the glare. Seriously, how many practice swings do you need? To Den's point, I'm not opposed to a person taking divots but to take 5 practice swings seems excessive.

My take is that it's usually 1-2 practice swings and if you do take divots (even 1-2), then repair them please, like how you would a normal swing.

One of the best compliments that I have heard: "Wah, Sam, your golf improved alot hor! Now you don't take divot on your practice swing!" Ha ha.

It makes sense not to take divot on practice swings. This is common sense care for the course and respect for other golfers. Repairing the divot is a must but I have never enjoyed playing a shot out of a "mini bunker" so let's do what we can to keep the course beautiful.

Nothing against taking divot during practice swing as long as its repaired.. and not like more than 1 or 2. Personally i dun take divot during practice swing, just brush the grass, its tiring enough to play 18 hole.. dun want to swing too much also.