How to read putts and
make fewer of them!
# Understanding the Basics
Before we dive into the specifics of reading putts, it’s important to understand the basic components that go into making a successful putt:
Slope:
The slope of the green will greatly affect the direction in which your ball will roll. Putts that are downhill will be faster, while putts that are uphill will be slower. It’s essential to factor in the slope of the green when reading a putt.
Speed:
The speed at which you hit your putt will also play a significant role in its success. A putt that is hit too hard may run past the hole, while a putt that is hit too softly may come up short each running the risk of three-putting. Finding the right speed for each putt is key.
Break:
The break of a putt refers to the curvature of the green. Putts will often move in the direction of the slope, so it’s important to understand how the green is breaking and adjust your line accordingly.
# Reading Putts Step by Step
Now with the basics out of the way, let’s take a closer look at how to read putts effectively:
Assess the Slope:
The first step in reading a putt is to assess the slope of the green. Look for any obvious uphill or downhill sections that will impact the speed of your putt.
Find the High Point:
Once you’ve identified the slope, try to locate the high point on the green. This is the point where the green starts to break in the opposite direction. Putts hit beyond this point will start to break towards the hole
Visualize the Line:
With the slope and high point in mind, visualize the line that your putt will take. Imagine a straight line from your ball to the high point on the green and then let it break towards the hole.
Factor in Speed:
Consider the speed at which you need to hit your putt to reach the hole. Uphill putts will require a bit more force, while downhill putts will need to be hit more softly.
Practice Makes Perfect:
Reading putts is a skill that takes time to develop. The more you practice, the better you will become at judging the slope, speed, and break of a putt.
# Tips for Reading Putts
Walk the Green:
Take a walk around the hole to get a better sense of the slope and break of the green from different angles. This will help you make a more informed decision when reading your putt.
Use Your Feet:
Feel the slope of the green with your feet before taking your putt. This tactile feedback can provide valuable insight into how the ball will roll.
This method has evolved in recent times and is often referred to as the Aimpoint method and has become a favourite for many Tour Pros. Read more about it and a short tutorial here:
Watch Others:
Pay attention to how other golfers read putts on the green. You may pick up some useful tips and strategies that you can incorporate into your own game.
Anytime you and your group are chipping on to the green take note of the speed and path of your playing partners’ balls as they land on the green and use the evidence to help you to judge speed and line.
# Putting It All Together
To illustrate the process of reading putts, let’s walk through an example:
Imagine you are on the green facing a putt that breaks from left to right. The green has a slight uphill slope towards the hole.
Assess the slope of the green and note the uphill gradient.
Locate the high point where the green starts to break right.
Visualise the line of your putt from your ball to the high point and then breaking towards the hole.
Factor in the uphill slope and adjust your speed accordingly.
Take your putt with confidence, focusing on hitting the ball on your desired line.
By following these steps and incorporating the tips mentioned above, you can improve your ability to read putts effectively and make more putts on the green.
# Conclusion
Reading putts is a fundamental skill in golf that can greatly impact your performance on the green. By understanding the slope, speed, and break of a putt, you can make more informed decisions and increase your chances of sinking more putts.
Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to the details of the green, how others’ balls are running and trust your instincts when reading putts. Commit to your line.
With time and dedication, you can become a more proficient putter and see improvements in your overall game. So next time you’re on the green, approach each putt with confidence and a clear understanding of how to read it effectively.
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