About Us
Championships
Membership
Handicapping
Club Services
Junior Golf
Volunteers
News
How Much Break is Enough?
By Kent Magilligan, Assistant Golf Professional at Southern Hills Plantation Club in Brooksville
Everyone knows the two most important fundamentals in putting are distance and direction. The most common mistake I see amateurs make is not reading enough break in a putt....so, how much break is enough?

What many people may not know is that the faster the greens are rolling, one must play more break due to the fact that you are not striking the ball as hard with the putter head. If you normally play on slower greens, you are striking the ball more firmly and taking some of the break out of the putt. This will have a more obvious effect if you putt on sloped greens versus flatter greens.

Here's a drill to try: Next time you find yourself on the practice green find a location that has a moderate amount of break (maybe 6-12 inches). Set up about 15 feet away with a few balls. Before you putt, read the break of the green as if you were playing a normal round. Place 2 tees in the ground, halfway between you and the cup about 5 inches apart, and one on either side of your putting line. Focus on the tees when you putt and try to roll the ball between the tees. If you read enough break your ball should end up on the high side (Pro Side) of the cup, if not in. If it finishes on the low side (Amateur Side) you are not reading enough break and need to adjust your tees side to side or front to back based on the slope and speed.