During Women’s National Golf School’s “short game” sessions I advise students to always determine the “pace of the green”. It is important for women to understand how fast or slow the greens are running.
Many golfers head south after they retire or to attend a golf school. But if you’ve played golf in the Northeast or Midwest all your life, you will be in for a surprise when you play your first round in Arizona or Florida. The reason? Most courses in the southern United States use Bermuda grass on their greens, rather than the bentgrass common to colder climates. The difference can be dramatic and take some getting used to.
Bent grass has a softer and tighter texture than Bermuda; it is almost like putting on a soft pool table. Your ball will run much truer on a bent green. Bermuda, on the other hand, is a wiry grass whose grain makes for a slower putting surface.
But how do you determine which way the grain is running??
Stand behind your ball on the green and check the “color” of the grass between your ball and the hole. If the grass is light or silvery, you’re putting with the grain and your putts will roll faster and break harder than normal. You will want to ease up on this type of putt and play more break than you think you have. But if the grass appears dark green you are putting against the grain and your ball will roll slower than usual. Hit these putts a little more firmly, and play the break as you read it.
- Patrick Livingston, PGA CEO National Golf Schools; PGA “2003 & 2007 WCCNF PGA Teacher of the Year”; Editor NPGIA Professional Golf Teacher Magazine
No comments:
Post a Comment