Edwards' praises are many
GreenFix Wizard allows ball marks to heal within a few days
Rohde: Edwards' praises are many

By John Rohde

Published: May 27, 2007

For decades, even the most conscientious golfers inadvertently have been killing putting surfaces.

Using pronged tools or tees to repair ball marks actually are harmful acts of course maintenance.

Former Oklahoma State three-time All-American Danny Edwards is CEO of GreenFix Golf, which offers the GreenFix Wizard, a tool used to repair ball marks that has greenskeepers screaming his praises.

"Greens full of ball marks always puzzled me, especially when so many players told me they fixed three or four marks per green,” Edwards explained.

Research has found lifting, twisting and jabbing while repairing ball marks causes root damage that often requires several weeks to fully heal.

With proper use of the GreenFix Wizard, ball marks can heal within a few days.

Asked if he cringes whenever he sees someone improperly fix a ball mark, Edwards said, "Cringe? I want to scream, ‘Can't you see you are destroying all the turf in that area? Don't you care about your greens?' I watch my colleagues on the Champions Tour lift, twist and jab, jab, jab. They only care that the spot is smooth for them to putt over. Who cares what the greens look like when we leave town. The sad thing is that they really do care, but they have used these terrible tools or a tee for so long that it is like pulling teeth to get them to change.”

Edwards said Golf Course Superintendent Association of America surveys found 80 percent of U.S. courses still consider ball marks one of their biggest problems.

The Wizard has a patented depth limiting flange. While holding the tool at a 45-degree angle, the healthy turf of a ball mark is pushed toward the center from the outer edge. No lifting, twisting or jabbing is involved.

Edwards said a change in habit is the biggest hurdle.

"Our biggest challenge has been human nature; the resistance to change,” said Edwards, who started GreenFix Golf in 2001. "The time has come to act. There is no downside. GreenFix can only make an improvement on your greens.”

Softspikes arrived in 1994 and have considerably reduced wear and tear on putting surfaces. Proper use of GreenFix would have even a greater impact.

For information on GreenFix Golf, visit www.greenfixgolf.com or call (866) 443-4222.