How it works:

The EyeLine Green Reading Level uses the concept of a construction level to assist you in reading the slope of a green.

Definition:

The fall line is the line connecting high and low point: This is the path water will travel if it is poured on the ground. It is also the path a golf ball wants to roll on a green.

Level "Rules:"

1. The center of the bubble in the vial will always travel to the highest point of an incline. A line drawn through the center of the bubble to the center of the vial is the Fall Line.
2. By placing the GRL on the ground, and turning the vial so the cross hair markings have a line going directly through the bubble, you will see the exact direction of the Fall Line.
3. The distance the bubble is from the center of the vial measures the severity of the slope

Level Calibration:

We have calibrated the slope circles with an 8-foot putt. Hit the putt with speed necessary to roll the ball 1 foot past the cup. If the center circle splits the bubble, the putt will curve approximately the width of one cup. Therefore, if a putt is hit 2 inches outside of the edge of the cup, it should curve 4 inches to the middle of the cup.

How to read a putt by looking at the level:

1. Place the Level just in front of the cup
2. Note the position of the bubble.
3. Rotate the level so a crosshair goes directly through the center of the bubble. The crosshair line is the Fall Line - the direction that is directly downhill and uphill.
4. Note the location of the bubble in relation to the Severity Circles. This tells you how much the slope will affect the putt.
5. Decide on the speed you hit the putt, and the amount of curve to allow.

Hit your putt with confidence!

The Green Reading Level will give you an accurate read of the slope for a circle of approximately 6 feet in diameter. It is this area around the hole where the slope most affects the putt as it loses speed.

The basics of mapping a green:

1. Draw a rough map of the outline of the green
2. Be as specific as possible concerning the location of sprinkler heads, greenside bunkers, drainage filters, trees, etc. on your map.
3. Place the level on key areas where the pin may be placed or
4. Place the level on areas that are hard to see the slope (subtle slopes) or
5. Place the level every five or so feet in from the sides and continue across the green in a straight pattern.
6. Draw an arrow on your map that points toward the FALL LINE and be specific where it points in relation to the outside reference points (sprinkler heads . . .)
7. Use one arrow for a mild slope, two = a moderate slope and three =a severe slope

Chart your home course - win more bets!

Take the time to make charts of every green. Use a pocket notebook to make the drawing, and use it when you play. "Green Mapping offers the best advantage any player can have when stepping on the course." Tournament Play Tips If you are playing in a multi-day event, guess where they might put the pins for the tournament. Make sure you know the fall lines for these locations. Also, make sure you use the Green Reading Level to learn the slopes that are difficult to see - gentle slopes, slopes from front of the green to the back of the green, etc. Down hill putts usually also have a curve; find it?

Green Reading Basics

by Dr. Craig Farnsworth

As you begin to "put a little science into the Art of Green Reading", use these basic rules to help determine accurate slope and speed of your putt.

• Uphill putts generally break less than level or downhill putts.
  
• Downhill putts tend to break more than level or uphill putts due to the ball rolling slower; the slope's influence increases.
  
• Slow greens are like uphill putts; they break less than fast greens.
  
• If a putt's path is along a continual slope from ball to hole. It will break more than a putt whose slope is only near the hole.
  
• The most important area for slope determination is near the hole. (due to the ball's speed slowing). This is the CRITICAL ZONE. This is where the Green Reading Level is the most effective.
  
• On a downhill putt, the last half or the putt OR MORE can be important depending upon the slope being moderate or severe
  

• Does the putt break right or left?
• Is it uphill, level or downhill?
• Is the green slow or fast? For example, if the putt is downhill, the slope may cause the putt to break more, so factor that in to your aim.

How to determining your best green reading position:

• Place a ball down 5-15 feet from a hole.
  
• Look from behind the ball then from behind the hole make a note of what you see.
  
• Look from the side of the ball and hole to determine if it is a level, uphill or downhill putt.
  
• Place the level down every three or four feet in the Critical Zone and note the slope.
  
• Finally, make note as to where you see the break the best. NOTE: It may be further back from the ball or hole or in a squat versus upright position.
  
• Some players have found they read best from the "low side" - that is, from a point looking UP the slope.
  
• Repeat the above procedure for several putts around the practice green and see if there is a position that gives you at least 70-80% good reads.
  
• Use this information to read only from your best position when playing.