Sometimes two wrongs do make a right

FRIDAY, MARCH 2: Has anyone ever been taught how to read the green? Is there anyone that specializes in green reading? I know that answer now. It is AimPoint.

The AimPoint technology is used on the golf channel as the graphic to show the viewers what the break is so it is a very well proven system.

The problem with putting is that two wrongs make a right, you can aim poorly then somehow miss hit or twist the putter and miraculously the ball goes in and you think you have done it ALL perfectly, but you actually have done it ALL wrong.

For those of you looking to increase the putts you make or to enjoy the game a little more, this information is guaranteed to help. Once you learn how to determine where you are relative to the zero lines (putts you aim directly at the center of the cup) and how to determine where they should be, you will have a much greater probability of knowing the break. It’s not guessing the break, it’s knowing the break!

The key is to not waste your time standing behind your ball and staring at the green on the way to the hole. This is not how you read the green. This is helpful with picking a place to aim but not much else. Your job is determine what kind of hole location you’re dealing with and where you are on the green. Now what does that mean, “where you are on the green”?

Your job is to figure out where you are in relation to zero Lines. These are the places where the break is zero. You aim at the center of the hole. That will be either straight up or downhill. Standing behind the ball and staring at the ground does nothing to help you do this.

As you learn more about the Aimpoint Green Reading method, you will learn where to expect these zero lines. The straight uphill and downhill ones are self-explanatory. Hitting it harder does not eliminate the early break. Gravity is a very consistent force and it always applies. The ball will roll downhill. Period. You can’t just look around the hole to determine the break for the whole putt. Depending on where you are relative to these zero lines will help you determine the expected break. This is especially accurate 20 feet and in.

So while you are waiting for your turn, use your time to determine where you are and you’ll have a better chance of making the putt. AimPoint instructor John Graham will come to Tucker’s Point to do a series of clinics to teach us how to read a green and become better golfers.

The clinics are the weekend of April 14 and 15, so put that in your diary and get ready for lower scores.

For more information please contact me directly [email protected].

Paul Adams is the PGA dirctor of golf at Rosewood Tucker’s Point.