The area of the golf hole that is specially prepared for putting, containing the hole (cup) and the flagstick, mown to the lowest height of cut on the course.
What Makes the Green Different from Other Areas
Greens are mown to 1/8-1/4 inch height of cut (far below the 1/2 inch fairway or 1-3 inch rough), creating a smooth, uniform putting surface. The grass type varies by region — bent grass for cooler climates (slower, more consistent), Bermuda grass for warmer climates (faster, with natural grain that affects ball roll direction). Greens are also the most intensively maintained area of the course: daily mowing, aeration, topdressing, and watering are standard.
Green Speed: The Stimpmeter
Green speed is measured using a Stimpmeter — a 36-inch aluminum bar that releases a ball at a precise angle and measures how far the ball rolls on the green. A Stimpmeter reading of 10 means the ball rolled 10 feet. USGA guidelines suggest 6-9 for everyday courses, 8-11 for competitive courses, and 11-13+ for tour events. The Masters is typically played on 13-14 Stimpmeter greens — extremely fast and challenging for direction changes.
Components of the Green
The putting green includes: the hole (4.25 inches in diameter, 4 inches deep), the flagstick (also called the pin), the putting surface itself, and the fringe (also called the collar or apron — the ring of slightly longer grass surrounding the green). Under the Rules of Golf, different rules apply on the green vs. the fringe: on the green, you may lift, clean, and replace your ball; in the fringe, you must play the ball as it lies (or use a stroke to chip it).
Reading the Green Before You Putt
Green reading is the skill of determining the break (slope direction and degree) of a putt before striking it. Key green reading points: look at the putt from directly behind the ball, then from behind the hole looking back, then from a 90-degree angle to see side slope. Identify the lowest point of the green (water drains toward it) and the high point — all putts tend to break toward the low point. The final 6 feet of a putt break the most because the ball is moving slowest.
Key Takeaways
- Greens are mown 1/8-1/4 inch — far lower than any other area of the course
- Stimpmeter measures green speed: 6-9 everyday, 8-11 competitive, 11-14 tour events
- The fringe (collar) borders the green — different rules apply than the actual putting surface
- Read greens from behind the hole AND from behind the ball — both views together reveal true break
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