How to read greens like a pro: Essential tips for better putting

I have been asked many times what’s the key to scoring well.

The part of golf that doesn’t require muscle and strength is putting which evens out the playing field. Becoming a good putter will help score well even on days when you are not striking it at your best.

There are many strokes used by the best golfers in the world but they all have one common factor and that’s reading the greens well to make the putt.

Reading putts is a crucial skill in golf, and pros make it look effortless. But what is their secret? It comes down to a combination of experience, observation, and technique.

Assessing the Green

Golf pros start by studying the green's slope, grain, and texture. They look for subtle breaks and contours that can affect the ball's roll. By understanding the green's topography, they can anticipate how the ball will behave.

Using Reference Points

Pros use reference points like the ball's position, the hole, and surrounding features to gauge the putt's line and speed. They trust their eyes to see the subtle breaks and contours of the green.

Feeling the Speed

Golf pros develop a feel for the green's speed and adjust their stroke accordingly. They know that a fast green requires a softer touch, while a slow green needs a firmer stroke.

Tools of the Trade

Some pros also use tools like laser rangefinders and green reading books to help them read putts. These tools provide valuable information about the green's layout and topography.

Practice Makes Perfect

Reading putts is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. By combining observation, technique, and experience, golfers can improve their own green reading skills and start sinking more putts. Catch you on the fairways!

-Sewgolum is a PGA AA golf professional, Golf Pro for Saudi Aramco and was voted Top 5 International PGA professional for the year 2022.