Play More Break On Fast Putts And Less Break On Slow Ones
Putting is by far the most important part of the game of golf. And half of putting is being able to pick the right line, or reading the green.
There are many factors that influence the break of the ball on a putting green. Sidehill slope plays a significant role, as does the grain of the grass. Then you have the uphill or downhill grade.
And if it is not bad enough that how you contact the ball has a big effect on the break, even the ball itself can change its own natural curve by being slightly out of balance. As for these things, you have to assume that you are going to hit the ball correctly and it is in balance.
But the factors relating to the putting surface itself must be addressed and each considered. The side hill slope of a putt has the most significance. But that should be the last thing you look at.
Both the grain and the grade influence the speed of the putt. For simplicity, I prefer to keep them out of the final equation as individual items. The effect they have on the speed of the putt is their main influence on the break.
First figure out the speed of the putt, minus the details. Then figure the break that will occur when you hit the ball at that speed. That is the essence of reading the green, on shorter putts especially.
The rule of thumb is to play more break on fast putts and less break on slow ones. If you focus too much on the details of finding the line, you may never see it.
Speed and line are inseparable in putting. Everything else can and should be separated. It is a lot easier to have confidence in simple things than complicated ones. An d confidence is makes a lot of putts.
I would love to show you the easiest way to putt.
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