Putting on fast greens can be one of the most challenging aspects of golf. The slick surface requires precision, a soft touch, and an accurate read of the green to ensure your ball ends up in the hole. In this blog post, we'll explore some key strategies to help you line up your putts on fast greens and shave strokes off your score.

Step 1: Read the Green

The first step in lining up a putt on a fast green is to read the green carefully. Look for the overall slope and any undulations that might affect the ball's path. Pay attention to the grain of the grass, as this can influence the speed and direction of your putt.

- Walk around the putt: Viewing the putt from different angles can provide a better understanding of the slope.
- Use your feet: Feel the contours of the green with your feet to detect subtle changes in elevation.
- Look from the low side: The best perspective for reading breaks is often from the lowest point of the putt.

 

Step 2: Visualise the Path

Once you've read the green, visualise the path your ball will take to the hole. Imagine a line from your ball to the hole that accounts for the break and speed of the green.

- Pick an intermediate target: Choose a spot a few inches to a few feet in front of your ball along the line you've visualised to help guide your stroke.
- Visualise the speed: Imagine how the ball will roll along the path and how quickly it will need to move to stay on line without running too far past the hole.

Step 3: Set Up Properly

Your setup is crucial on fast greens. Position yourself so that your eyes are directly over the ball or just inside the ball-to-target line. This will help you see the line more clearly and make a square contact with the ball.

- Feet shoulder-width apart: This provides a stable base for your stroke.
- Ball position: Play the ball slightly forward in your stance to ensure a clean, upward strike.
- Putter face alignment: Make sure the face of your putter is square to your intended line.

 

Step 4: Control Your Stroke

On fast greens, it's essential to have a controlled, smooth putting stroke. A gentle touch will help prevent the ball from racing past the hole.

- Grip pressure: Keep a light grip pressure to maintain feel and avoid jerky movements.
- Stroke length: Use a shorter backstroke and a controlled follow-through to manage the speed of your putt.
- Tempo: Maintain a consistent tempo, using the same rhythm for both the backstroke and the follow-through.

 

Step 5: Commit to Your Line

Doubt can be a golfer's worst enemy, especially on fast greens. Once you've chosen your line and visualised the putt, commit to it fully.

- Trust your read: Believe in the line you've chosen and the speed you've visualized.
- Focus on the process: Concentrate on executing a smooth stroke rather than worrying about the outcome.
- Breathe and relax: Take a deep breath before your stroke to relax your body and mind.

 

Fairway Legends Conclusion:

Putting on fast greens can be intimidating, but with the right approach and preparation, you can conquer them. By carefully reading the green, visualising the path, setting up correctly, controlling your stroke, and committing to your line, you'll improve your putting on slick surfaces. Practice these techniques, and you'll soon find yourself more confident and successful on the greens, no matter how fast they may be. Remember, putting is as much an art as it is a science, so keep honing your skills and trust in your ability to master the fast greens.