Royal Troon, Scotland, is hosting the Open Championship this year, and the greens at this prestigious course are known for being a bit different from what most players are used to. The grass on the putting surfaces is longer, which means the greens roll to a slower speed compared to other major tournaments like the Masters or the U.S. Open. This adjustment can pose a challenge for players, especially those who grew up playing on faster greens.
European golfers, in particular, may struggle to adapt to the slower greens at Royal Troon, as their instincts may tell them to hit the ball harder than necessary. The key to success on these types of greens is to adopt a more assertive putting style, playing with less break and hitting the ball a little firmer. This can put European players back in their comfort zone and help them feel more at ease on the greens.
One of the main adjustments that players need to make on slower greens is their mindset towards putting. On fast greens, pros often take a defensive approach, playing the ball high, embracing lots of break, and letting it die towards the hole. However, on slower greens like those at Royal Troon, players can afford to be more aggressive and play with a more attacking mindset, trusting that the longer grass will help control the speed of the ball.
Solid contact is crucial on slower greens, as any mis-hit putt may not reach the hole. Players like Rory McIlroy emphasize the importance of focusing on the strike of the putter, aiming to hit the sweet spot consistently. Some pros, like Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau, use specific techniques to adjust their putting stroke for tournaments with slower greens, such as adding lead tape to increase head weight or calibrating backswing length with a ruler.
Ultimately, the key to success on slower greens is to focus on the quality of contact with the ball. By ensuring a solid strike and adjusting their putting style to be more assertive, players can navigate the challenges of putting on surfaces like those at Royal Troon. These adjustments may not only benefit professional golfers during tournament play but also offer valuable insights for amateur players facing similar conditions on their home courses.
