60 golfdigest.com | june 2019
READ ’EM LIKE A PRO
▶ my pre-putt routine is probably not unlike most out here on the
PGA Tour. I start behind the ball, trying to get a general feel for break
and speed. I then go around to the other side of the hole, while constantly
looking at the line from the side as I walk. After looking at the putt from
behind the hole, I then walk around the other side, focusing more on the
severity of the slope. Once I replace the ball, I take one more look and focus
on an exact point left or right of the hole depending on the break. Finally,
my focus goes to the cup to get a feel for the speed. After a practice stroke,
I lock into the line I want to start the ball on with my eyes and hit the
putt. Of course, it drops in the middle every time. Joking aside, reading
most putts thoroughly is important if you want to lower your scores. Here
are some things to look for as you read a green. —with ron kaspriske
better putting starts
with understanding
where the ball is going to go
by luke donald
