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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.
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