Rule 9.1 - Ball Played as it Lies

The rule governing playing the ball as it lies on a fairway, even if it comes to rest in an old divot hole, was debated quite seriously during the review of the Rules of Golf for 2019.
It was decided that the existing rule would not be changed.

Although golfers may feel this is unfair, the governing bodies felt that it goes to the heart of the game, as they thought that there were practical difficulties and in reality one of the fundamental principles of the game is that you play the ball as it lies.

While some divots are easy to identify and distinguish from other damaged areas, as a divot gets older that becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish from a bad lie.

So please replace your divots - there is no excuse for not taking the time and effort to repair the damage to the fairways when you play your shots.