After a few hundred yards, you’ve finally made it to the green. It’s far from over however, as you realize just how far away your ball actually is from the hole. The perfect putt takes practice. A few tips concerning the lie, line, and club can help get you there in no time.
Reading the green is the first thing you’re going to want to do. The closer you are to the surface of the green the more accurate your reading will be; squatting is not a myth, which is why many professionals do so. However you decide to read your lie though, be wary of others’ lies; stepping on theirs is an etiquette no-no.
Consider the time of day for instance. Is there any residual morning dew or is it high noon and humid? Precipitation is the first consideration while on the green. This will be one determining factor of your ball speed.
The slope of the green will determine any breaks in your putt and how much of an angle you’ll need to aim at. If slope seems to be a determining factor for your putt, your next move will be to observe any obstacles or damage.
Now that you’ve got a feel for the line, consider your stroke. How wide of a swing will you need to take? How much force? At times, it can seem like a gamble but with the right combination of read, speed, and practice, you’ll be putting like a pro.