When signing into the proshop of a new golf course, I usually ask what the greens are running. This simple question refers to how fast the greens are playing. In my opinion, a reasonable speed for amateurs is between ten and eleven on the stimpmeter. The stimpmeter is a device used to measure the speed of a golf course putting green by applying a known velocity to a golf ball and measuring the distance traveled in feet. It is not a very scientific device, but is very important if golfers understand what this means. The intent of the article is to demystify a stimpmeter so we can better prepare ourselves for a great round of golf.
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Develop The Speed Of The Greens With One Easy Drill
I am fortunate to represent Osprey Links Golf Course on the Senior Men’s Ryder Cup team. This team will compete against four other teams in the region with a chance to play at the provincial championship in August. The interesting aspect of this competition is that I will play on three different courses in the span of five weeks. The change in venues will challenge my ability to adjust to the speed of the greens at each club to ensure I help my team gain the much needed points. Fortunately, I found a simple drill by Paula Creamer that builds on my putting foundation that is easily transportable to any golf course. I can say that it works very well and I plan to use it today when I play in the second leg of our competition.
Continue readingMy Worst Round Of The Year!
After 34 rounds of golf posted towards my handicap for the 2020 season, yesterday I post my worst score of the year. I am not really sure how it happened, but I could not seem to get anything rolling. I did not do anything incredibly poor, but I did not do anything brilliant either; it was a bland round that resulted in a very poor score. But not to worry, I am still a grateful golfer and I looking forward to teeing it as soon as possible.
Continue readingDoes The Speed Of The Green Actually Matter?
I do not know of any golfer who does not comment on the speed of the green during their round of golf. I know over the years I have discussed (actually complained) about the speed of the green from time to time. Looking back, I understand my frustration at the time, but have to remind myself that I have to play the conditions of the day and complaining is a waste of breath. Since I have to play the conditions of the day, I ask again: Does the speed of the green actually matter?
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The Grateful Golfer 