Questions & Answers Responses from PGA/LPGA Teachers on FINDaLESSON.com                                                                                  << BACK From Bob, golfer: Is there a good reference explaining the physics of divots. Why they occur? What the shape of the divot tells you? What's the optimum shape? When I hit the ball I seldom get a divot. If the ball is placed forward of your centerline why would you get a divot because the club would be on the "upswing" trajectory? PGA/LPGA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL RESPONSES: Florida "Divots are caused because when you swing, your knees kink a bit more than at address so your body is a bit lower than when you started the swing. If you swing the club forward you will take a divot that is ahead of the ball for that reason. A good divot goes into the ground bellies a bit and goes out again. The direction of the divot can tell you the direction your swing was going during impact and after. The shorter the club the deeper the divot because of the inclination of the club-it is more upright. That is why you don't see many divots with long irons or woods. Hope this helps."  - Pat Kimball, Teaching Professional