Putting is often considered a game of feel, but the best putters in the world—like Brad Faxon—combine that feel with a meticulous, disciplined approach to green reading. Knowing how to read the slope and judge the speed (pace) is the difference between a frustrating three-putt and a confident tap-in par.
Our featured video, “How to Read Putting Greens Better with Brad Faxon | Titleist Tips,” provides exclusive guidance from the putting legend himself. Faxon shares the simple, yet profound, tips he used throughout his career to master the green and eliminate guesswork.
The Faxon Green Reading Philosophy: Sight and Feel
Faxon’s approach emphasizes using your eyes and feet to gather information about the green, focusing on the simple truth that gravity always pulls the ball toward the lowest point. This is a crucial step that happens before you worry about the physical stroke.
Tip 1: The High Side vs. Low Side Rule
Faxon often advocates for reading the putt from the low side of the hole.
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The Low Side View: By observing the green from the low point, the break is often exaggerated, making it easier to determine the overall direction and slope of the putt. This clear visual eliminates doubt and boosts confidence.
Tip 2: Walking the Line (The Stride Test)
Don’t just stand behind the ball. Walk the entire line from the ball to the hole, feeling the ground with your feet.
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The Feel: Your feet are sensitive to subtle changes in slope that your eyes might miss. Feeling the break with your feet provides a crucial confirmation of the line you’ve chosen.
Tip 3: The Three-Step Checkpoint
Before you address the ball, Faxon insists on three quick checks for every putt:
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Alignment: Ensure your putter face is aimed precisely where you want the ball to start. This relies on a perfect putting set up.
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Pace: Determine the speed necessary to get the ball to the hole. Distance control is often trained with specific Putting Drills to Practice.
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Commitment: Once you have the line and pace, commit fully to the stroke.
Why Reading Better Translates to Lower Scores
Mastering green reading eliminates indecision, which is the nemesis of a smooth putting stroke. When you are confident in your line, you can focus entirely on executing the pendulum stroke with consistent tempo, preventing the deceleration that leads to three-putts.
By adopting these professional Titleist Tips, you move beyond merely hitting the ball toward the hole and start playing strategically smart golf that guarantees more accurate results.
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