JohnV,

Your Welcome!

I think you have it backwards on the divots. You have to hit the little ball first, then the big one. The ball is pretty much gone by the time the divot starts. It only takes a split second between the ball being gone and the divot starting.

Some people take a divot, some shave off the top of the grass. It's personal prefference and ability level.

Welcome to the sport,

GolfBald