Grass Talk with Harry Higgs: Navigating Green Challenges at the Oneflight Myrtle Beach Classic

By: Josh Sens | Date: May 10, 2025

When it comes to golf, the pros might not be agronomists, but they sure think about grass a lot! Take Harry Higgs, for example. He’s fresh off a sizzling second-round 66, putting him in a tie for the lead at the Oneflight Myrtle Beach Classic. The setting? The stunning Dunes and Beach Club, where players have faced quite the challenge on the greens. What’s the deal? Well, Higgs seems to have some thoughts.

Imagine this: it’s Friday afternoon, and the pressure is on. The greens here have been a source of frustration for many, and Higgs has a theory about it.

The Grass Dilemma

“Honestly, it’s real tough out there,” Higgs shared. “There’s just not a lot of grass. Sure, they’re in solid shape, but Bermuda grass sometimes feels a bit slippery, and with the wind today, holy cow, it’s moving all over the place!”

Fast greens and a breezy day? That’s like a recipe for three-putts and frustration right there! It’s a problem anyone who has played the game can relate to, but Higgs pointed out an even trickier layer to the green dynamics.

The Confusion of Grain and Slope

He went on to describe something wild about the putting conditions. Higgs noticed that for many of his putts, the grain and the slope were working against each other: “It’s crazy! It’s gonna break one way, then just when you think you got it figured out, the grain straightens it up.”

Talk about a head-scratcher! It’s rare to see those two forces acting in opposite directions, but for Higgs, this was just another day on the course.

The Science Behind the Grass

But here comes the real question: Is Higgs onto something with his observation? Is it true that grain and slope typically work together? Not necessarily, according to Darren Davis, the superintendent at Olde Florida Golf Club in Naples, Florida. He laid it down nice and easy: “Grain and grade are independent on most putting surfaces.”

Basically, just because the green is sloping one way doesn’t mean the grain is going in the same direction. So, while Higgs had a right to identify the challenge, the science says it’s not always correlated.

Clarifying Misconceptions

Now, it’s important to clarify that both grain and slope influence putting, but Davis pointed out that golfers often overestimate the role of grain. Ever heard someone say, “The grain’s slowing my putt down”? Davis warns against that. “More often than not, it’s the slope that impacts the speed,” he explains. It’s a classic tip for everyday golfers who might be wasting their mental energy trying to decipher the grain.

Reading the Greens Right

So, what’s the takeaway for the average golfer? You might be better off focusing on the slope rather than getting too tangled up in the grain. Meanwhile, Harry Higgs seems to have figured out his method for reading the greens, and it’s clearly paying off. This guy knows how to keep his game sharp amidst the challenges.

Embracing the Game

At the end of the day, golf is all about adapting and persevering. Pros like Higgs not only improve their skills daily but also keep their game fresh by thinking on their feet and learning from each round. It’s a bit of a balancing act, navigating the grass and making those crucial putts, but that’s part of what makes golf so exciting!

A Weekend to Remember

Heading into the weekend, Higgs is not just focused on the lead but is also fully aware of the unique challenges presented by the greens. Whether it’s fast putting surfaces or tricky grain, he’s got his head in the game and ready to tackle whatever comes his way. Golf fans are in for a treat as we watch whether he can maintain his lead and claim victory.

The Final Stretch

As the Oneflight Myrtle Beach Classic continues, keep an eye on how Higgs handles those greens. His insights about the grass and putting dynamics highlight just how much strategy plays into this game we love. So, whether you’re on the course or cheering from the sidelines, appreciate the nuances—the game isn’t just about drives and chips; it’s all about the green.

Conclusion

In the end, what Higgs and Davis revealed is a greater understanding of the game and how essential it is to adapt. Learning to read greens like a pro can help elevate your game, whether you’re hitting putts in the backyard or competing at a tournament level. So next time you’re out on the course, remember: it’s not just about the grass; it’s about how you read it. Happy golfing!