Putting seems like it should be very straightforward. Simply connect the ball with the hole via a nicely angled swing of the putter. Yet, reading the green is one of the most challenging parts of the game. By understanding the topography of the ground, you gain valuable information about where and how to hit the ball.
Start with Keen Observation
The first tip to reading a green effectively is to observe players putting to the hole before your turn ever begins. Many golfers simply wait until it’s their turn to examine the ground, look for shadows, walk around the hole, and then attempt their best putt. Unfortunately, that puts them at a disadvantage. Instead, use this time to carefully watch your player partners with careful observation. Look at where they aim the ball and how it travels across the grass.
Read the Green with Techniques Like the Plumb Bob
By working with a golfing pro, you will learn skills and gain hands-on experience with techniques that will help your game. One example that works for many people is the plumb bob. Keep in mind that various methods will work better for different people–it’s all about figuring out your own best strategies.
The plumb bob uses your golf club, similar to how contractors use a weighted string to create a straight horizontal line to the ground. This technique works well on flatter ground with subtle breaks and can help you determine where the ground slopes between the ball and the hole.
The first step is to figure out which of your eyes is dominant. When you try to focus on something closely–which eye do you use and which do you close? You’ll do that same thing here.
Next, pick up the club with your hand opposite your dominant eye. For example, if your right eye is dominant, use your left hand to hold the club. Use only your thumb and index finger at the top of the putter so that the club loosely hangs from your grip.
Then, stand about 10 feet away from your ball. Hold up the putter, close your non-dominant eye, and line up the inside of the club with the middle of the golf ball. If you line it up the right side of the ball and you can see the hole to the left of your club, then the slope will break to the left. Conversely, if you line up the inside edge of the putter to the left side of the ball and see the flag to the right of the putter, you have a break to the right.
In either case, the spot on the ground to the right or left of the hole where the edge of the putter appears to you to line up with the grass is where you want to aim. By doing so, the ball should interact with the slope and gently roll into the hole.
To try out this technique for yourself or to learn other strategies to read the green and improve your golf game
We encourage our members and guests at the Eagle Point Golf Club to take advantage of personalized tune-up sessions. These mini-lessons are designed to help golfers warm-up and fine-tune a handful of skills before hitting the greens. During a session, we’ll start by introducing you to some easy warm-up exercises designed to achieve balance and alignment on the course.
Next, one of our professional trainers will observe your swing in a few different scenarios. We’ll pinpoint specific issues getting in the way of your game, such as aligning the perfect swing on the chipping green. Next, we’ll introduce a few simple exercises for you to practice to perfect your short game. By targeting just a couple of critical items, you’ll be headed to your game in no time with a manageable number of techniques to put into practice.
Our team at the Resort will help you design the perfect golfing getaway. Whether your dream is a few days of solitude enjoying endless rounds of golf, or you desire a week at the course interspersed with interesting trips to nearby attractions for you and your family to enjoy, we will create your perfect, personalized itinerary. We have a variety of hosted day trips available to pair with your golfing adventures, from relaxing visits to nearby wineries to an exciting exploration of the Rogue River on a wild jet boat tour. Give us a call at 541-826-8225 for more information. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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