Reading greens is one of the most under worked skills in golf. You can have the perfect putting stroke, but if you misread the break or speed, the ball won’t find the hole. As a coach, it’s my duty to help players of all levels master the skill of reading the greens.Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you read greens like a pro.

1. Start Before You Get to the Green
Reading a green begins well before you step on the green. As you approach, take note of the overall slope of the green and its surroundings. For eg. The highest and lowest points.

2. Walk Around Your Line
Before setting up your putt, take a few moments to walk the path between your ball and the hole. Look at it from multiple angles. Stand behind your ball to assess the overall slope. Look at the hole from the opposite side to confirm your read.

3. Trust Your Feet
Your eyes aren’t the only tools for reading greens—your feet can tell you a lot about the slope. As you walk around, pay attention to whether you feel yourself leaning one way or the other.

4. Break It Into Sections
Long putts can feel overwhelming, but pros break them into smaller sections. Focus on:
The first third: This is where the start line is important.
The middle third: This is where the ball will begin to break.
The final third: This is where the break and speed combine to guide the ball into the hole.

5. Consider Speed of the Putt
Speed and break work together, so always decide on the pace first. A slower putt will break more, while a faster putt will hold its line longer.

6. Use Your Imagination
Visualization is a powerful tool. Picture the ball rolling along the line you’ve chosen, curving toward the hole. Imagine the speed, the break, and how the ball will fall into the cup.

7. Trust Your First Instinct
Overthinking can be your worst enemy. Often, your first instinct about the line is the correct one. Trust it, commit to it, and focus on making a confident stroke.

Tips by:
Sreenjoy Majumdar
Head Professional Coach
Protouch Golf Academy