Golf pitch mark repair tool

Abstract

A pitch mark repair tool that includes a base with a push ledge at one end and a location for a thumb positioned at least one third way across the base from the push ledge. Preferably the location for the thumb is an indentation or ridged area, the center of which is at least half way across the base from the push ledge. The tool also includes a single prong extending from the push ledge or from a portion of the base adjacent the push ledge. The tool can be made from plastic, wood, metal, or any other suitable material. The base can be shaped to have a flat profile when viewed side-on or to have a profile of a corporate logo (e.g., the Nike® “swoosh”) when viewed side-on. Other shapes are possible. Also, methods of using the pitch mark repair tool.

1 . A pitch mark repair tool comprising: 
 a base with a push ledge at one end and a location for a thumb positioned at least one third way across the base from the push ledge; and    a single prong extending from the push ledge or from a portion of the base adjacent the push ledge.    
   
   
       2 . A pitch mark repair tool as in  claim 1 , wherein the location for the thumb comprises an indentation or ridged area.  
   
   
       3 . A pitch mark repair tool as in  claim 2 , wherein a center of the indentation or ridged area is at least half way across the base from the push ledge.  
   
   
       4 . A pitch mark repair tool as in  claim 1 , wherein the single prong has a diameter of a standard tee.  
   
   
       5 . A pitch mark repair tool as in  claim 1 , wherein the base further includes a through hole at an end opposite the push ledge and the single prong.  
   
   
       6 . A pitch mark repair tool as in  claim 1 , wherein the tool is made from plastic, wood, or metal.  
   
   
       7 . A pitch mark repair tool as in  claim 1 , wherein the base is shaped to have a flat profile when viewed side-on.  
   
   
       8 . A pitch mark repair tool as in  claim 1 , wherein the base and the push ledge are shaped to have a profile of a corporate logo when viewed side-on.  
   
   
       9 . A pitch mark repair tool comprising: 
 a base with a push ledge at one end and a location for a thumb positioned at least one third way across the base from the push ledge; and    an opening in the base or push ledge for insertion of a tee so as to form a single prong extending from the push ledge or from a portion of the base adjacent the push ledge.    
   
   
       10 . A pitch mark repair too as in  claim 9 , wherein the location for the thumb is an indentation or ridged area.  
   
   
       11 . A pitch mark repair tool as in  claim 10 , wherein a center of the indentation or ridged area is at least half way across the base from the push ledge.  
   
   
       12 . A pitch mark repair tool as in  claim 9 , wherein the opening has a diameter of a standard tee.  
   
   
       13 . A pitch mark repair tool as in  claim 9 , wherein the base fisher includes a through hole at an end opposite the push ledge and the single prong.  
   
   
       14 . A pitch mark repair tool as in  claim 9 , wherein the tool is made from plastic, wood, or metal.  
   
   
       15 . A pitch ark repair tool as in  claim 9 , when the base is shaped to have a flat profile when viewed side-on.  
   
   
       16 . A pitch mark repair tool as in  claim 9 , wherein the base and the push ledge are shaped to have a profile of a corporate logo when viewed side-on.  
   
   
       17 . A method of repairing a pitch mark using a pitch mark repair tool that includes a base with a push ledge at one end and a location for a thumb positioned at least one third way across the base from the push ledge, and a single prong extending from the push ledge or from a portion of the base adjacent the push ledge, the method comprising the steps of: 
 inserting the single prong of the pitch mark repair tool just outside of the pitch mark; and    pushing the pitch mark repair tool toward a center of the pitch mark so that the push ledge pushes grass and soil over the pitch mark.    
   
   
       18 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein the location for the thumb is an indentation or ridged area.  
   
   
       19 . A method as in  claim 18 , where a center of the indentation or ridged area is at least halfway across the base from the push ledge.