Reading Grain on Greens

Grain can be a confusing concept for lots of golfers, but it's an important factor that they should know the basics of. When we talk about grain, we're describing the direction the grass tips are pointing. It's particularly important on bermudagrass greens down south. — Joe Plecker, Director of Instruction, Landings Club, Savannah, Ga., Golf Digest Best in State Teacher

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Find Grassy Side
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  • Look at the golf hole to identify the smoother, grassier side of the cup.
  • Grain pointing toward your ball will make the putt play slower.
  • Grain pointing away from your ball will make the putt play faster.
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Find Dead Side
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  • The dead side of the hole appears where grass is chopped at the roots.
  • It will always be opposite the grassy, smooth side of the cup.
  • The grain direction points from the smooth side toward the dead side.
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Find Slope Shading
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  • Different shades of green on the putting surface indicate grain direction.
  • Grain typically grows downhill and along the natural slopes.
  • Areas may appear lighter or darker depending on which way grain points.
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