How to Read Greens When Putting: 10 Tips

Tired of missing putts because you can't read greens?

Feel like your ball has a mind of its own when you're trying to sink that elusive birdie?

Reading greens can be a tricky business, but with the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you'll be reading greens like a pro in no time.

In this how to read greens when putting article, we're going to explore the art of green-reading with some practical advice and answers to FAQs to help you improve your putting game.

So grab your putter and a cold one, and let's get started.

Before we jump into the tips, let's take a moment to understand the factors that affect your putting technique.

By taking the following factors into account, you can better predict how most putts will break and adjust your aim and speed accordingly.

The slope of the green is perhaps the most important factor in determining how a putt will break. Putts will generally break more on steeper slopes and less on flatter slopes.

The direction of the slope is also important, as the golf ball will tend to roll and break in the opposite direction of the slope.

The grain of the grass as well as grass types can affect how a putt breaks.

Grass that is growing towards you will cause the ball to break more in that direction, while grass growing away from you will cause the ball to break less

Faster putts will break less than slower ones, all else being equal.

Longer putts will generally have a gentler break than shorter putts, so keep this in mind when hitting those long putts.

The elevation of the green relative to the rest of the golf course can also affect how a putt breaks. 

Greens that are elevated will tend to cause putts to break more, while greens that are below the rest of the course will tend to cause putts to break less.

Last but not least is a factor that many amateur golfers overlook; factor in water on the green.

Puddles or wet areas will slow the the golf ball down down and cause it to break more, while dry areas will cause the ball to break less.

Many amateur golfers rush through the putts; the pressure is on, and they want to look good. Don't make the mistake of a beginner golfer - take your time.

Before putting, find a good vantage point and take a few moments to observe the green from multiple angles. Look for the slope and direction of the green, and try to identify the highest point along with any points or ridges on the higher side that could affect the break of your putt.

By taking your time and carefully observing the green, you'll be better able to predict how your putt will break.

As mentioned earlier, walking along the path of the putt can give you a better sense of the slope under your feet.

This can help you confirm your observations and make more accurate predictions about how the ball will break.

Before making your putt, take a moment to visualize the hole, the path of the ball and where it will break. This mental exercise can help you stay focused and make a more confident stroke.

In addition to the slope and direction of the green, the speed of the putt can also affect how it breaks. Consider how fast or slow you need to hit the ball to get it to the hole, and adjust your aim accordingly.

Wind and rain can also affect how a putt breaks. Take into account any weather conditions that could impact the speed or direction of your putt.

Sometimes, putts may break only slightly or not at all, so it's important to pay attention to subtle breaks. Even a small break can have a big impact on the path of the ball.

Not every putt will break the same, and longer putts may require more than one break.

The green could change as the ball gets closer to the hole, so don't hesitate to break up longer putts. It's better to hit a two-putt than a three- or four-putt.

The more you practice the green reading process, the more putts you'll sink. Try to incorporate green reading into your putting routine, and make a point to observe the green before every putt.

With time and practice, you'll be able to read greens more quickly and accurately, and make more putts as a result.

Check out our top putting drills featuring golfer, model, and television personality Blair O'Neal that will help you dial in your aim and speed as well as control distance so you can sink more putts.

And that's a wrap on our guide to reading greens when putting.

We hope that you've found these tips and tricks helpful and that you'll be able to apply them to your own putting game play.

Remember, reading greens is a skill that takes practice and patience, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Keep working on your green-reading technique, and before you know it, you'll be sinking putts like a pro. Who knows? Maybe one day you'll be giving the pros a run for their money.

But until then, keep hitting them straight, keep reading those greens, and most importantly, keep having fun out there on the golf course.

See you on the fairway, 

Matt | Pyramid Golf