Padraig Harrington, a three-time major winner, shared his top tips for green reading in a video released by the DP World Tour social media team. His first tip is to pay attention to colors on the green, with pale areas indicating downhill slopes and dark areas indicating uphill slopes. Harrington also advises golfers to focus on the low side of the hole when reading greens, as the low side is often more worn and can affect a putt’s break. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of pace over line when putting, as good pace can help golfers gain valuable experience on every putt.
Another tip Harrington shared is to increase the break on a putt when it feels uncomfortable, as adding borrow can help improve a golfer’s putting stroke. This tip is unique to Harrington and can be a game-changer for golfers struggling with their green reading. In a related article by Top 100 Teacher Kellie Stenzel, ten ways to perfect green reading and make more putts are outlined. Understanding the tilt and side slope of greens, reading the green before arriving, and prioritizing distance and speed are key strategies for improving green reading.
Stenzel also recommends studying the area around the line of a putt to determine side slope, ‘sectionalizing’ longer putts, and walking in small circles behind the ball to feel subtle tilts. Playing more break on downhill putts and adjusting break based on the severity of the tilt are essential for accurate green reading. Stenzel encourages golfers to leverage technology, like the GolfLogix app, to improve their green-reading skills in practice rounds. Incorporating these strategies into their game can help golfers drain more putts and lower their scores on the green.
Overall, green reading is a critical skill for golfers of all levels, and learning to read the subtle slopes and breaks on greens can greatly improve putting performance. By paying attention to colors, focusing on the low side of the hole, and prioritizing pace over line, golfers can become more confident and consistent on the greens. Incorporating tips from experienced professionals like Padraig Harrington and Top 100 Teacher Kellie Stenzel can help golfers refine their green-reading abilities and make more putts on the course. With practice and dedication, golfers can elevate their putting game and ultimately lower their scores.
