Starting Time's Fix-Master® Receives GolfTest USA's
April 20, 2007
Fix-Master Test and Summary Report
GolfTest USA was contracted by Starting Time in April, 2007 to conduct a test on the Fix-Master Ball Mark Repair Tool.
We were asked to determine how easy and effective the Fix-Master Ball Mark Repair Tool was to use and compare it to a standard two prong divot tool. We chose two types of grass to conduct the test on. Bermuda greens were used at San Ignacio Golf Club and Bent grass greens were used at Canoa Hills Golf Club. Both of these courses are located in Green Valley, Arizona.
We followed the instructions included with the Fix-Master to secure it to a putter. The instructions were clear and concise and easy to follow. We were able to quickly secure the Fix-Master to the butt of the putter grip. We spent some time getting used to repairing ball marks with the Fix-Master by following the instructions included. It took us only two times before we felt we had the technique mastered.
We took pictures of similar ball marks on each green and then repaired one with a standard ball mark repair tool and one with the Fix-Master. “After Repair” pictures were taken. On Bermuda greens the roots are “tough” which can make it difficult to repair ball marks with a standard repair tool or with a tee. When we used the Fix-Master it was much easier to repair the ball mark as well being quicker to repair. On the Bermuda greens in particular the standard repair tool still left a slight gap in the center of the repaired ball mark while the Fix-Master repaired ball mark looked smoother and more “filled” in. We then came back 5 days later and took pictures again to see how the ball marks had healed. We were able to visually determine a noticeable improvement in both repairs made with the Fix-Master. The repaired ball mark made with the standard repair tool on the Bermuda green still had not completely “healed”.
Our evaluation is that the aeration effect created from the prongs on the Fix-Master was a positive factor in the initial repair and the long term healing of the ball mark as opposed to the repair method used by a standard repair tool. The Fix-Master caused less damage to the roots during the repair process than the standard repair tool which contributed to the improved healing rate after five days. The actual improvement in healing of a ball mark when repaired by the Fix-Master was judged to be significantly better than the standard repair tool.
One definite benefit of the Fix-Master is there is no need to bend over to repair a ball mark. This feature is beneficial to golfers who have back problems. This could potentially result in more ball marks being repaired because it is easier to repair a ball mark using the Fix-Master. This could result in greens being maintained in better playing condition. Our staff actually enjoyed repairing ball marks and considered it “fun” because of how easy and effective it was.
Another plus is there is a ball mark on the Fix-Master so it is always handy and easy to locate on the end of the putter.
GolfTest USA’s overall evaluation of the Fix-Master is that it is a golf accessory that is superior to a standard style ball repair tool and should be considered by golfers who want to have a device that can quickly and easily repair ball marks on greens.
Based on the testing we conducted GolfTest USA has concluded that the Fix-Master is worthy of being awarded our “Seal of Excellence” which is means GolfTest USA has determined it is a golf product of
superior quality, value and performance.The Testing Staff at GolfTest USA
4226 S Camino Del Tejon
Green Valley, AZ 85614
Phone: 520 393 8624
