Ninja tining is a greens aeration method that uses special “Ninja Tines” to micro-core the putting surface with very little disruption to play.

This is by far the best method of aeriation as it offers little disruption. Check out the full details below, followed by pictures.

What it is
The tool: Ninja Tines are CNC-machined from a single piece of high-quality Japanese steel. They have dual tips and a very small bore – about 7mm wide, pulling a core only 4mm in diameter.

The process: Greenkeepers punch thousands of these tiny holes into the green to remove mat, thatch, and organic matter from the top 20-50mm of the profile. Unlike traditional hollow tines that are 13-16mm wide, Ninja Tines leave holes so small that play can resume almost immediately.
Why do courses use it
Removes organic matter/thatch: Micro-coring takes out the top layer of organic build-up that causes soft, slow greens.
Aerates with minimal stress: It creates aeration and lets air/moisture into the root zone, but the small holes mean minimal disruption to the surface.
Quick recovery: The routine is basically "tine, blow, roll, and play". Sand is blown off and the green can be putted on straight away. Some courses use them for tournament prep or resort golf, where they can’t close greens.
Improves firmness: Courses report drier, firmer greens over winter after ninja tining.