Learn to Read a Putting Green
Teeing up on Cape Cod is almost always an enjoyable experience (especially if you’re winning!). But half the battle on the green is the green itself. A good golfer should be able to “read” the putting green to determine its slope and which way it will cause the ball to roll as it travels toward the hole.
Reading also requires expertly determining the speed of a putting surface. For example, the direction in which the grass is growing can directly impact the speed of a putt.
So how does a novice golfter get in the habit of green “reading”? We asked our favorite golf experts at Bayside Resort Hotel for some advice on how to accurately read a golf green.
Get the Angle & Slope Down
Start to read the green as you walk up to it from the fairway. This angle gives you a good reading of the green’s general slope and the predominant way the ball will break. Then, stand 3 feet behind the ball, crouch down and look back toward the hole. Look carefully at the slope of the surface between your golf ball and the hole, and visualize how the ball is likely to turn as it approaches the hole.
Make Some Allowances
Make allowances for playing on bent grass. This type of grass generally has thicker blades and the grain or direction in which it grows can have a greater effect on the speed of the putt. Dull-looking grass means the grain is against you, which slows down the putt. If the grain runs across the line of your putt, termed a cross-grain putt, the ball may drift toward the down-grain side as it slows down.
Final Tips
Be sure to read greens quickly so you don’t slow up play for others in your group or players behind you.
Greens that sustain heavy play can become bumpy from the ball marks caused when golf balls hit the green. Walk your target line before you take your stance and repair any obvious imperfections in the green. Make sure you carefully repair your ball mark and divots as well.
Tee Up and Play Golf on Cape Cod
You can play at almost any Cape Cod golf course this spring and summer AND stay at the award-winning Bayside Resort Hotel – voted BEST mid-cape hotel year after year. It’s the perfect getaway for Father’s Day, couples, or just a fun getaway with friend.
Come see what beautiful Cape Cod golf is all about.
Check out Bayside’s phenomenal Cape Cod Golf Hotel Deals HERE!
