How to Read Greens
by Frank Longabucco Professor at Keiser University College of Golf PGA Certified Professional
Green reading is one of the four skills needed to be a great putter. Those four skills are: (a) starting the ball on your intended line, (b) reading the right amount of break, (c) matching the speed to the read, and (d) the confidence to know you will make the putt. There are systems used to analyze the read of green and help golfers determine the right amount of break on a putt. An old school method that is still used by some golfers today is plumb bobbing. A modern approach to green reading is the AimPoint system that is gaining larger acceptance by world class golfers. This article will offer some different but effective strategies to help you improve your green reading no matter what system or routine you use to read greens and techniques to help you hole more putts. At the end of the day, each system has the same objective…holing more putts!
Strategy #1: Training with a Purpose
During your training session, spend most of your time putting with one ball, going through your entire routine, and learning from every putt. Do not mindlessly roll putts. This is how you gain experience and learn your tendencies/patterns. Valuable information for the improvement process. Attention to your Intention! Have a plan and write down what you learned after each training session. Make Process King!
Strategy #2: Use a Tee in the Ground to Putt at the Correct Spot
Once you have read the green, train your eyes to react to the correct spot which might not be the hole. Placing a tee in the ground to indicate the starting line of the putt. For example, if you determine the putt will break about two feet, place a tee two feet from the hole to help you align properly. This helps your awareness of the target not the hole.
Strategy #3: Play a Little More Break Than You Think
Most people underread the amount of break on a putt. What are your miss patterns? It is rare to find a golfer who overreads their putts. How much should you add to the break? Just like is says…a little more to get started.
Strategy #4: Go Past the Hole
By watching the ball go past the hole, you will see how the putt breaks for the comeback putt. You might also luck a couple in.
Strategy #5: Commitment
Once you have made your read, react to the target. Ready, aim, fire! Tour Players using AimPoint are committed to their line, and this makes it easier to focus on speed. Speed is king.
Strategy #6: Be Brave
Golfer do not say “I wished a lot of putts in the hole today (well not talented golfers).” Skillful players make putts. Use the Special Olympian motto when putting: “Let me make this putt, but if I cannot, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Learn more!
Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, we can elevate your game to new heights together. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.
