[Kim Haneul's FunFun Golf]⑧ 'From Front, Back, and Side'

Understanding the entire green, reading lines from front, back, and sides
Carefully inspecting lines around the hole, feeling slopes with your feet when unsure
In Jeju-do, consider mountain breaks by checking Hallasan first

There is a moment that amateur golfers cherish the most: when their putt goes in exactly as they envisioned it in their mind. A good putt is an easy way to lower your score.

Today, we will share tips on reading the slope of the green. First, look from the farthest point to the nearest. This means checking the forest first, then the trees. After understanding the overall terrain, you should examine the line near the hole.

Once you have grasped the entire green, check the slope between the hole and the ball. Generally, you observe from behind your ball to see which side is higher. Next, move behind the hole. By looking at the green from the opposite side, you can more accurately determine which side is higher. The slope may be more or less than you initially thought.

If you have time, check from both sides. Viewing the green from the side helps you distinguish whether it is downhill or uphill. Especially when it is uphill, it is important to sit beside the slope and observe the line.

You should also pay attention to the slope around the hole. As the ball’s speed decreases, it will break more sharply. Many people walk around the hole, which can make the surface faster. This factor must also be taken into account. Putting has a higher success rate when you make a confident judgment.

Sometimes, you may get confused when reading the slope. You might even doubt your own eyes. In such cases, feeling the slope with your feet can help. If you watch golf broadcasts, you can see players standing with their legs apart at the midpoint between the ball and the hole. They are checking the slope through the sensation in their feet. However, this method is not easy to use without sufficient practice.

When playing a round in Jeju Island, you need to keep the mountain break in mind. It is a kind of optical illusion where downhill and uphill appear reversed. First, check the location of Hallasan Mountain. Only then can you accurately understand the slope. If you still cannot figure it out, trusting an experienced Jeju caddie is also a good option. A sportainer and former champion with 14 wins on the Hanil Tour

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