Here’s a tip to help you read those difficult putts. This technique is especially useful on hilly courses or courses you are unfamiliar with.
When reading a putt, most people will have a quick look down the line of the putt and putt it from there. The more thorough golfer might take a look from the low side as well, perhaps trying to spot the apex or seeing if the break is consistent throughout the putt. But the really astute golfer might use more than just his eyes to read the green!
Your feet are very sensitive to elevation changes. They are your only connection to the putting surface, so listen to what they are telling you.
Walk along side the line of your putt and just pay attention to what you feet are saying. Are they sensing any sideways break? Or is it slightly up hill? Is the break you saw consistent or does it flatten out around the hole?
These little clues can help you sink those sneaky 12 footers or get that long lag putt within gimmie range and not leave yourself a testing 5 footer.
With a little practice of just paying attention to what feedback your feet are giving you, you can absorb lots of information from the green just by walking to your ball and marking it or tending the flag for a buddy.
So take my advice and be like Johnny Cash! Walk the line.
Photo Credit: Photo by Michelle Hofstrand at Flickr Creative Commons.