Top 3 Tips for Reading Putts
When it comes to reading putts, it’s not something that can be learned in a day - or at least, not for most people. But this skill can be developed over time in order to help you play smarter and learn from your mistakes along the way, which will result in an overall better game. By practicing your approach to reading putts, you can accelerate your learning process and make big strides quickly!
Tip #1: Begin With Starting General and Wide
Start by looking at the green as a whole in order to determine where high and low points are, focusing on where the green breaks. Once you have this general picture, you’re able to hone in on the specific line that you’ll be putting on. Once you’ve zoomed in, you’ll get behind the ball and visualize what you think the ball is going to do.
Part of the visualization process is about paying attention to whether or not there’s curvature along your path. Does the green break right or left? You’ll want to find the maximum amount of break that you think is there, which leads us to our next tip.
Tip #2: Maximize Break to Minimize Speed - Find the Apex
Once you’ve identified the apex of the breaking point on the green, you’ll have identified the spot where maximum break can occur, allowing you to leverage minimal speed. This is important if you prioritize a two-putt style play, as it allows you to minimize speed while you putt in order to avoid overshooting the hole or stretching out your game.
In the end, though, it’s about what style works for you and applying that style to your reading. If you’re an aggressive putter, for example, you might not always choose to look for the apex spot in the breaking point.
Tip #3: Be Committed to Whatever Line You Choose
Choosing an effective line for your putt is crucial, but speed control is generally the most important factor at play while you putt. Most people have poor speed, not poor alignment. A good line can be ineffective if not backed by proper ball speed, which is why it’s so important to commit to your putt and your line simultaneously. You can do so by focusing on the speed required to connect us to the hole before you putt.
Looking to elevate your game across all areas of golf? Reading putts is just one component of sharpening your golf skills and bringing new perspectives to the course. The Compete Confidence Signature Course is a 6-week program designed specifically for female golfers hoping to take their game to the next level. We’ll expand on everything from reading putts to increasing confidence on the course and so much more.
