Valley Green Golf Reading Tips

Many beginners are always puzzled as to why a top professional studies a putt from all angels, assessing it from behind the hole and also back behind the ball, and occasionally side on as well.

What they are trying to assess, in addition to the borrows, is the direction of the grain of the grass. If you are studying the putt from exactly behind your ball and the grass looks really shiny, then this means the grain is with you and the putt will be quicker than if the grass has a matt finish, which means the grain is against.

You will be pleased to know that greens these days are really invariably cut not just in parallel lines but across too, in order to gain a greater consistency and lessen the importance of grain. So do not lose any sleep over it. In hot climate, it is not uncommon to find the grain of the grass changes direction as the sun moves.

Many top golfers, particularly Americans, plum bob to read greens. This involves hanging the putter vertically exactly in line with the center of the hole to see which side is higher and, therefore, how the ball will break.

Green Reading Pointers

Start to read the green as you approach it from the fairway.

Never rush your decision. If it looks different from one angle, go back and do the whole routine again.

If it is an elevated green, look at the playing surface from eye level.

Always consult any Stroke saver booklet for the course, which you can pick up from the club shop.

Never listen to playing partners comments on your line. Make your own decision and stick to it. You are bound to be more knowledgeable about your situation.

Although you should play most bunker shots with your sand wedge, when the sand is wet and compacted a better option is your pitching wedge, which has less bounce on the sole.