Need Help Putting on Slow Greens

[The Gill]

I'm a completely different putter on slow greens. On fast freshly rolled greens I average between 25-28 putts per round. On slow shaggy greens I average 32-34 putts per round. On fast greens I feel smooth and creative. I'm not sure what it is, but I cannot get the speed or line on slower greens. Does anyone else have this problem or tips on how to have the same consistency on inconsistent greens?

[max power]

I'm similar, though I can end up putting well on slower greens if I adjust quickly during the first few holes.  I putt better on slower greens with more of a "pop" style putting (look at footage of guys putting in the 1950's and 60's).  For me, fast and smooth greens reward a smoother stroke.

[saevel25]

i prefer fast greens, but i putt on each equally well.

[Paradox]

play more break is a good general rule but then it can be offset because of having to hit putts harder which would mean playing less break. So, the real answer is that the only way you can be good on slow greens is to get practice in on slow greens.  Its tricky going from one to the other but over time with practice to develop feel, they don't become as much of a headache.

[Stretch]

You've probably got a nice smooth, compact stroke that gets the ball rolling well on slick greens. The problem is that, on shaggy greens, you've either got to let your backstroke grow to a size you're not used to or try to put more of a "hit" on your putts like Max said. Both are going to throw off your feel.

But hell, if I could average 25 - 28 putts a round on good greens, I wouldn't change a thing. I'd just go play more nice courses!

[lumpuckeroo]

I find a heavier putter helps on slow greens.  If I know I will be playing on slow greens I will add lead tape to my putter.  If I had the money I would buy matching Scotty Cameron putters, one with 10 gram weights one wilth 20 gram weights.

[saevel25]

There are putters with adjustable weights in them.. If that might help.

What i hate is going from fast greens to slower greens. I left about half my putts 3-4 feet short. I didn't know my home town had greens that were that much faster than were i play. Usually in the summer the greens i play are pretty fast.

[iacas]

Originally Posted by saevel25

There are putters with adjustable weights in them.. If that might help.

Yes there are. ;-)

Typically, btw, you go with a lighter head when you are on a slower green and a heavier head when you're on a faster green. What feels like the same amount of effort will make the putter head move faster with a lighter head and what feels like the same amount of effort will make the putter head move slower with a heavier head.

[sean_miller]

He could just go with a See More putter. The ball just rockets of the face with those things.

[sean_miller]

How bad is the rest of your game? With 25-28 putts you should be scratch by now.

Originally Posted by The Gill

I'm a completely different putter on slow greens. On fast freshly rolled greens I average between 25-28 putts per round. On slow shaggy greens I average 32-34 putts per round. On fast greens I feel smooth and creative. I'm not sure what it is, but I cannot get the speed or line on slower greens. Does anyone else have this problem or tips on how to have the same consistency on inconsistent greens?

[iacas]

Originally Posted by sean_miller

How bad is the rest of your game? With 25-28 putts you should be scratch by now.

If you miss a lot of greens but are reasonably close it's pretty easy to have 25 putts per round and still shoot 75 or something.

[max power]

Beat me to it.  Took me some time to figure this out, and I don't switch putters frequently, but if I'm going to play somewhere I know has lightning-fast greens I will bring a putter with a heavier head.

Originally Posted by iacas

Typically, btw, you go with a lighter head when you are on a slower green and a heavier head when you're on a faster green. What feels like the same amount of effort will make the putter head move faster with a lighter head and what feels like the same amount of effort will make the putter head move slower with a heavier head.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by iacas

If you miss a lot of greens but are reasonably close it's pretty easy to have 25 putts per round and still shoot 75 or something.

That's what I mean. The only way I personally could get to 25 putts is by missing a lot of greens then getting up and down more often than not. That would mean my putting is okay and I need to work on my approaches. Luckily I miss a lot of greens AND take a lot of putts, so I get to work on everything equally.

[saevel25]

you be surprised, if you duff a few chips, shank a few balls, but drain alot of putts, you can get any assortment of scores playing this idiotic game.

[The Gill]

As Erik pointed out I've been missing a lot of greens and getting up and down my putts in the 20's were over-exaggerations due to landing balls on and near the fringes. My last 5 rounds have been pretty rough with the putting. Last 5 rounds I have averaged FWs: 64%; GIR: 66%; Putts:35.5...

I'm thinking of taking an Aimpoint class. Anyone have feedback on Jeff Shaw in Seattle?

Originally Posted by iacas

If you miss a lot of greens but are reasonably close it's pretty easy to have 25 putts per round and still shoot 75 or something.