Reading Greens

Putting can be simple. Pick the correct line and roll the ball down that line at the right speed and the ball will go in the hole…….every time!

So there are 3 aspects to putting that you need to work on:

Direction

Distance Control

Green Reading

The 3 factors work really well together but not so well individually.

Reading greens can be a long learning curve so don’t expect to become an expert over night! Here are a few tips that I think will really help.

1. When walking up to and on to the green look around for any kind of slope or high point. Which way is the whole green sloping?
2. Stand behind your putt and look to see if there is any obvious slope
3. Find the low point on the green and have a look at your line of putt from there. I think this gives you the best view of any slopes or camber on the line of your putt.
4. Look at the hole. Does it look as though it is on level ground or do you see a slope?
5. Imagine pouring a bucket of water on your line of putt. Which way would the water run off?
6. Go with your instinct
7. If in doubt go straight!

Most importantly be committed to your decision on how much the putt is going to break.

Visualise the ball going in the hole (this works exceptionally well!).

If you do miss the putt then make sure you watch how the ball is breaking and where it rolls so that you are learning for next time. This is the learning curve part!

Remember that if you don’t putt the ball down your intended line then you need to work on your technique.

If you can’t judge distance then you need to work on your technique and practice.

 

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