Module 5: Quiz – Reading Greens

Question 1

What is the most reliable way to understand the slope of a putting green?

• ○ Look at it from behind the ball only
• ○ Ask the superintendent
• ✓ Imagine where water would flow if poured on the surface — it always follows gravity to the lowest point
• ○ Stand in the center and look in all directions

Question 2

What does ‘grain’ mean on a Bermudagrass green, and how does it affect a putt?

• ○ How tall the grass is — taller grass is slower
• ✓ The direction the grass blades lean — putting with the grain is faster and breaks less; against the grain is slower and holds the line better
• ○ The thickness of the grass — thicker grain breaks more
• ○ The color of the grass — darker grass is slower

Question 3

A player has a downhill putt on a fast green. What is the most important guidance a caddy can give?

• ○ Hit it firmly to hold the line
• ○ Play less break than it looks
• ✓ Use a very soft touch and play maximum break — speed and slope are both working against control
• ○ Aim straight at the hole

Question 4

A player asks for your read, sets up over the ball, and then starts their pre-shot routine. You notice a break you did not mention. What should you do?

• ○ Interrupt immediately — accuracy is more important than routine
• ✓ Say nothing — interrupting their pre-shot routine does more damage than the missed information. Note it for after the hole
• ○ Walk up and tap their foot to get their attention
• ○ Yell ‘wait!’ before they pull the putter back

Question 5

What is the correct one-sentence format for delivering a green read?

• ○ ‘It looks like it goes left’
• ○ ‘I think it probably breaks, maybe a lot, could be fast’
• ✓ ‘I see one and a half cups from right to left — aim outside the right edge, dying pace’
• ○ ‘Just follow your gut on this one’