Pinehurst greens are known for being firm, fast, and sloped severely in every direction, making the greens play smaller than they appear. This presents a challenge for pros, who spend time practicing their green-reading skills to navigate the slopes effectively. Many pros utilize a green-reading system called AimPoint, which involves feeling the severity of the slope with their feet to determine how much the putt will break. Some pros have started measuring the slope using a ruler, a method that has been deemed legal on the course. This method helps players understand how much gravity will affect the direction of their putts based on the slope.
The process involves calibrating the putter to measure how far off-center it falls on different putts on varying slopes. This method allows players to understand how their putter reacts to different slope degrees, providing valuable information for making accurate putts. By dangling the putter on the course and observing how much the putterhead moves off a spot, players can determine the direction and severity of the slope they are facing. This method eliminates the guesswork and provides a more precise way of reading the green.
While the method still requires judgment calls and consistent stance and putter positioning, it offers a more tangible way of determining the slope’s impact on the putt. Additionally, it takes away the literal direction ambiguity, as the direction the putter moves indicates the slope’s direction. Coaches and players are recognizing the effectiveness of this method, likening it to plumb-bombing, and expect to see more players adopting this technique on the tour in the future.
Overall, mastering green-reading skills is crucial for navigating challenging greens like those at Pinehurst. Pros spend time practicing their feel for slopes using various methods, such as AimPoint and measuring the slope with a ruler. By understanding how gravity affects their putter on different slopes, players can make more accurate judgments on the course. This method provides a more precise way of determining the direction and severity of the slope, ultimately leading to more successful putts. Expect to see more players embracing this technique as they seek to improve their green-reading skills and performance on the course.
