Putting · Tip
Read the Slope, Then Aim at a Spot
Part of our putting programs for three-putts, start line, reading greens. Build a program with it
Start reading as you walk onto the green. See the overall tilt. Then crouch behind the ball. Picture the ball's path all the way into the hole. Pick a spot a foot or two in front of the ball on that path. Aim your putter at the spot, not the hole. It's much easier to aim at something close. Then focus on speed and roll the ball over your spot. The slope does the rest.
Step by step
- Notice the slope as you walk up.
- Crouch behind and picture the path.
- Pick a spot a foot or two ahead.
- Aim the putter at the spot.
- Focus on speed.
Why it works
A short target close to the ball is easier to aim at than a hole several feet away, so small errors in your start line shrink. On a sloped putt the ball's path curves, so the hole is not the right place to aim. A spot on the path gives you a start line that the slope then bends toward the hole. Once the line is set, speed decides how much the ball breaks and whether it finishes near the hole.
Common mistakes
- You pick a spot, then look at the hole while you stroke.Set your aim on the spot, take your last look at the spot, and keep your eyes there through the stroke.
- You choose the spot only after you have crouched, with no read from the walk-up.Notice the overall tilt as you approach, then use the crouch to confirm it and choose the spot.
- You aim at the spot but change your speed halfway through, so the ball misses the path you pictured.Decide on your speed before you start the stroke and use a smooth stroke that matches it.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball rolls over your chosen spot on most putts.
- The ball finishes near the hole on the low side, with its break matching the path you pictured.
- Your first few putts show a consistent start line, with fewer that start left or right of the spot.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Put a coin or a tee on the ground at your spot so you can see it clearly, and practice on a gentle slope with a short putt.
Harder: Move to longer putts with more slope and pick your spot without any marker, then judge the speed so the ball stops close to the hole.
Common questions
How far in front of the ball should I pick my spot when putting?
Pick a spot a foot or two in front of the ball, on the path you pictured. It is close enough to aim at easily and still on the line the ball will roll.
Should I aim at the hole or at a spot on a breaking putt?
Aim at a spot on the path the ball will take, not at the hole. The slope then curves the ball from that start line toward the hole, and your speed controls how much it breaks.
