Fast Greens

‘QUICK’ ADVICE ON PUTTING

Reg Millage from the Clublink Academy at Glen Abbey provides us with some sound advice on how to handle fast greens. Something Reg knows more than a little something about coming off of his 18th place finish at the Jane Rogers Championship. The Canadian Tour event had some of the quickest and most diabolical greens the tour pros had ever seen courtesy of the Greystone Golf Course in Milton.

• It all starts well before you even get to the green. Knowing where you’d like to place your ball and how to make sure that this, in fact, happens is crucial to scoring when the greens are quick.

• Contrary to what you may be thinking it is important that you remain aggressive (albeit with the right amount of caution). Fast greens generally have a true roll and this means that there are putts to be made — so make them when the opportunity is available. There will also be the inevitable 3 putt here and there, so mentally prepare yourself for that — then focus on making putts and offset them with a few birdies and longer than average par saves.

• Maintain proper mechanics and complete the stroke. The tendency is to decelerate when the greens get quick or when we second guess our speed. Deceleration leads to all sorts of issues with swing path and direction so always remember to accelerate through the ball and finish the stroke. Start the ball online with a complete and committed stroke and good things will happen.

May Also be of Interest:

• Fast Swing Means Long Ball
• Reader Question 1
• 2010 Reader Survey
• The Mind is a Powerful Thing
• 80+ Shots of ‘Scotch’