Know-How for Good Putting: "Accurately Understand the Green Slope First"

Lee Jeonghwan Lies on the Green to Examine the Grass Grain, Woods' 'Tunnel Effect' and Holmes' 'Surveying Weight Confirmation Method' Added

Lee Jeong-hwan is lying on the green, examining the putting line during the Busan Gyeongnam Open. Photo by KPGA

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "The putting line is crucial."

Lee Jeong-hwan (30) drew the spotlight every time he putted at the Woosung Construction Aramir CC Busan Gyeongnam Open, part of the Korean Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Korean Tour, held last July at Aramir Golf Course in Changwon, Gyeongnam. This was to accurately assess the putting line on the green. Players anticipate the ball's rolling path from in front of and behind the hole, as well as from the side. The 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) used the 'Tunnel Effect,' and long hitter J.B. Holmes (USA) even employed the 'Plumb Bobbing' method.

Camilo Villegas (Colombia) is known as the original 'Spiderman.' He examines the slope and the grain of the grass right on the green's surface. Patrick Reed's (USA) caddie on the PGA Tour uses the same method. However, amateur golfers usually just glance once from behind the ball. To strengthen putting skills, it is advisable to at least go to the opposite side of the hole to check the inflection points where the ball curves according to the green's undulations and to gauge the stroke size.

First, the basics of putting. Keep the spine straight, let both arms hang naturally, and set up comfortably. The elbows should form a perfect pentagon shape pointing towards both pants pockets. This posture prevents unnecessary wrist movement and acts as a driving force that improves directionality. After aligning the putter face perpendicular to the target, execute the stroke. For short putts, especially, pushing the ball 'straight through' after impact increases straightness.

The putting line is estimated from the moment you step onto the green. 'Mountain' and 'Ocean Break' indicate slopes flowing from the mountain towards the lake. In reality, Jeju Island golf courses often cause 'optical illusions' when viewed from the center of Hallasan Mountain. The break is based on two higher and two lower points among the cardinal directions. The grain of the grass appears faint in the direction of the grain and dark like a shadow against the grain. This is why players and caddies lie down on the green.

Woods' 'Tunnel Effect' involves bending the brim of a hat with both hands to sense the slope. It is useful for amateur golfers as it excludes surrounding objects, increasing concentration on the putting line. The 'Plumb Bobbing' method is a bit more difficult. Aim so that the putter shaft is perpendicular to the hole; if it appears to the left, it's a hook line, and if to the right, a slice line. 'The Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (USA) determines direction and strength by 'looking' with the putter shaft pointing at the hole.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.