7 tips for reading greens more effectively

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I teach a number of golf schools and clinics, often working with groups of students. One of the most common questions I hear at the start of these events is, “How can I read greens better?”

With the incredible undulation and speed of the Augusta greens on display this week, it’s a timely and important topic. Here are six practical strategies you can start using right away to improve your ability to read breaks, slopes, and subtle contours on the putting surface.

1. Don’t wait until you reach the green

Start reading the green as you approach it. Often, the slope and contours are easier to see from a distance. Ask yourself, “Where would water flow if I poured it on the green?” This can help you determine the overall tilt. Also, keep in mind that most greens are designed to slope from back to front as this helps with visibility from the fairway and drainage.

2. Approach the green so you walk past the hole

Whenever possible, park the cart or choose an approach route that forces you to walk past the hole on your way to your ball. This gives you a valuable opportunity to observe slopes, elevation changes, and distances from multiple angles. It’s often difficult to get a full sense of tilt and break from just standing behind your ball.

3. Determine if the putt Is uphill, flat or downhill first

When facing mid-to-long putts, controlling distance and speed is more important than perfecting the line. Your first task should be to assess whether your putt is uphill, downhill, or flat. This will dictate your stroke length and pace.

For example, an uphill putt will require a longer backstroke to deliver more energy, while downhill putts—like those seen at Augusta—call for a shorter, more controlled stroke. Watch how players adjust their stroke size for those lightning-fast, downhill putts.

4. Look wide to read the break

When trying to determine break direction and amount, don’t just look along the putting line. Instead, look wider—about 5 feet to the left and right of your intended line. Ask yourself, “Which side is higher?” The ball will naturally break away from the higher side.

Once you identify the high side, estimate the degree of tilt. The more severe the slope and the greater the distance, the more the ball will break.

5. Divide long putts into sections

For longer putts, the green may have multiple undulations or changing slopes. Trying to read it as one continuous break can be overwhelming. Instead, divide the putt into sections—typically the first half and the second half—and read each separately.

For instance, if the first part breaks right to left and the second part breaks left to right, they may cancel each other out. But remember, the ball breaks more as it slows near the hole, so the final few feet are especially important.