Tip of the Month - Speed of Putts

“All men are created equal. I’m just one shot better than the rest”
Gene Sarazen 1922

Learning to read the pace of the greens is important to avoid three putting.

Three putting usually happens not so much because the line is wrong, but the pace is wrong. You can read pace on the greens by taking a good look at the grain and the slope. The slope you can see when you approach the green – also look for any undulations around the green to get an idea if you putt is uphill or downhill.

Also when you step onto the green you can see by its colour if you are putting with the grain or against the grain. If the green looks a lighter colour from the ball to the hole, then the putt will be fast. Conversely, if the green looks darker from the side you are putting, it will be slow.

When you have an idea of how fast the pace is, stand behind the ball and imagine you have a ball in your hand. Now imagine rolling the ball up to the hole. This will give your brain an idea of how hard to stroke the ball when you stand over it at address.

Rob Smith
PGA Golf Professional
Director of Golf

Need to book a lesson to improve your game? Contact Phil Edwards on 07958 223808 or at pedwards72@hotmail.com