Fundamentals of Putting

• Have Questions? Email Us
• Main Menu
• Overview
• The Mechanics of Putting
• Diagnostics and Observation
• Putter Fitting
• The Grip
• Ball Position
• Setup and Alignment
• Lock and Rock
• Swing Plane
• Rhythm
• Eye Movement
• Pre-Shot Routine
• Pre-Shot Routine Template
• Green Reading
• Wind Effects on the Green
• Practice Drills
• Rhythm Drills
• Distance Control Drills
• Eye Movement Drills
• Speed Control Drills
• Pressure Putting Drills
• Before You Play
• Linking the FOP with the Mechanics
• ASSESSMENT

Wind Effects on the Green

Wind Effects:

Wind effects are most common on seaside courses or very exposed greens, where it will affect a putt. For that reason, it is good to know what to expect.

First, the wind speed at the green surface is only about one-third that of the speed at the flag, 6 to 7 feet above the ground.

Have the student look at leaves on the green surface or by lowering the flag end of the flagstick to the green surface, where it sometimes can be possible to get a good idea of the wind activity at the surface and at about what speed it is blowing. Surface wind is unpredictable and not very steady but a general idea of is direction and speed will be useful.

It is obvious that an into the wind putt will require a little more putter head speed and a down wind putt a little less putter head speed. A side wind will also affect a breaking putt or cause it to break. It is generally only necessary to consider the wind effects when it gets to above 3 mph on the green’s surface. Otherwise the student should not try to correct for the wind because it likely will result in overcompensation.