Coaches Corner - Coaching Tips

Reading The Greens

11:20 AM PST - 12/3/2007
by: Joe Buttitta

If you consider yourself a poor putter you may be a poor reader of greens.

The putting stroke itself is rather simple. It's not long, and requires no power. But if you cannot aim your putter correctly you have little chance to make the putt.

Aiming requires reading the green. Many golfers read the green when they get "on" the green. You are actually too close to the job to see how the green sets in the surrounding landscape. When golfers used to walk it was easier to read greens because as they walked they would look at how the green was situated against the horizon.

Greens are never flat. Can't be. Architects build slope into all greens so they can drain water. Sitting water would damage the grass, so every green slopes at least a little.

That's the first thing to look for when reading the green: if you dumped a pail of water which way would the water flow.

Here are few more general thoughts:

putts break more on fast surfaces;
the effect of slopes on a putt is greater nearer the hole (when the ball should be slowing down);
always watch your ball as it rolls past the hole. Read how it breaks after you miss it, so the return putt is easier to make.

Most of all, remember to relax because most putts are missed, not made, even on the PGA Tour.

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Coaches Corner

	Adding Weights to Your Running Routine

	Become a Shotmaker

	Choosing the Right Shoe

	Give Juniors The Correct Equipment

	Incorporating the Foam Roller

	Lighter Grip for More Distance

	More Loft, More Fun

	Practice More in 2004

	Putting Can’t Be Taught

	Reading The Greens

	Run Better by Building a Strong Core

	Sweep Those Irons

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