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What is a fast green speed?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 25, 2026

Fast or slow is arbitrary but in general, anything over an 11 is considered fast amongst most golfers. Some of the fastest green readings are around 14 or 15 (like Augusta National) and are nearly impossible to putt on for most amateur golfers as the golf ball rolls forever.

What green speed is considered fast?

A green speed of 7 is generally considered very slow and is slower than a green speed of 9 (a moderate speed). A stimp rating of 13 or 14 is considered lightning-fast. Most PGA Tour venues have green speeds of around 12.

What is the average green speed?

It found the average green speed to be about 6.5. Less than 2 percent of the 2,116 measurements recorded were higher than 9.

How do you tell if greens are fast or slow?

Here is where I find out the green speeds – I pace off how far the balls rolled. When the greens are slow, I will only pace off 9 – 10 steps. Normally I pace off 13 – 18 steps, but I have been on greens where I have paced off 27 steps (Chicago Golf Club for those who are wondering).

What makes a fast green?

Resiliency, uniformity, smoothness, and firmness contribute to overall green speed. Resiliency is the capacity of the turf to absorb shock and affects the ability of a putting green to hold a properly struck golf shot. Uniformity implies that each green on a course and all areas of each green putt the same.

35 related questions found

Are greens slower in the morning?

2. Green speed can become slower. Golfers can expect greens to be slower in the afternoon than they were in the morning. Thousands of USGA Stimpmeter® measurements have indicated that in most cases green speed will slow throughout the day regardless of the weather.

How often do you mow a putting green?

Greens typically need to be mown at least once every three days. Without that regular tending, they become overgrown. Getting them back up to speed is tough. Sometimes it's impossible, and the entire putting surface has to be reseeded, and you're looking at least two months before they're ready for play again.

How do you make greens fast?

To balance green speed and turf health, it is recommended to mow as high as possible to achieve the desired green speed, which preserves extra leaf material for photosynthesis and growth. Increasing mowing frequency is another common method to improve surface quality and increase green speed.

How do you judge the speed of greens?

If you can control your speed more effectively on the greens, you will get the ball closer to the hole.
...
Middle Length Putts

  1. Hole the putt = 2 points.
  2. Past the hole but short of the alignment rod = 1 point.
  3. Past the alignment rod = -1 points.
  4. Less than two feet short = 0 points.
  5. More than two feet short = -1 point.

How fast are the greens at Augusta?

Augusta greens would normally run at 12 on a flat surface but could be as quick as 20 to 30 down one of those notorious slopes. The distance a golfball rolls on a pulling green is determined by the force imparted and the friction generated between ball and surface.

What course has the fastest greens?

For some further perspective, the greens at Oakmont Country Club (where the stimpmeter was conceived) are some of the fastest in the world, with readings of 13–15 feet at their quickest. The number that was estimated for Augusta National was 12 feet.

Can greens be too fast?

But, if it's almost impossible to get the ball close to hole from anywhere but directly below it, you know the greens are too fast. If you are putting reasonbly straight downhill (break makes judging the speed harder) and you can't get the ball to stop within 6 to 8 feet I think they're getting too fast for the slope.

Do fast greens break more?

Fast greens break more than slow greens

“There's more than one way to get it close to the hole, and remember that putting it close—while giving your putt a chance to go in—is your main priority.”

How fast are the greens at Augusta 2021?

The unofficial rating of the golf course was determined to be 78.1 with an average greens speed of 12', peaking at 15'. The large variance in greens speed is to protect the golfers from the dramatic slopes and contours.

What does simp mean in golf?

A stimpmeter is a device used to measure the speed of putting surfaces. It was originally invented by Edward S. Stimpson in the 1930s. His version was made of wood and was in effect simply a chute down which a golf ball would roll onto the putting surface.

What is fast on the Stimpmeter?

What is fast on the stimpmeter? Fast or slow is arbitrary but in general, anything over an 11 is considered fast amongst most golfers. Some of the fastest green readings are around 14 or 15 (like Augusta National) and are nearly impossible to putt on for most amateur golfers as the golf ball rolls forever.

How can I practice putting on speed control?

Drop three balls five feet from the center of the box, and try to roll all three into it (above). If a ball doesn't come to rest inside the boundaries, start over. Once you get all three, move back two feet, and do it again. Then go back another two feet, and so on, until you're about 15 feet out.

How fast is 13 on the Stimpmeter?

A green speed of 7 is generally considered very slow and is slower than a green speed of 9 (a moderate speed). A stimp rating of 13 or 14 is considered lightning-fast.

What is a slow green golf?

Slow greens break less than fast greens. With slower greens, you want to hit a more aggressive putt, which will reduce the amount of break overall.

Why do they roll golf greens?

“With the addition of rolling we can improve speeds by up to 4 feet, depending on which roller we use and the frequency of the rolling. Rolling gives us the ability to control the speed of the greens depending on the desired need of the event. It also gives us the ability to make every green uniform and consistent.”

How do I build a backyard putting green in my yard?

How to make your own backyard putting green in just 8 steps

  1. Select a Site. No surprise here. ...
  2. Start Digging. You don't need to go extremely deep. ...
  3. Add Some Contour. You're not trying to replicate the greens at Augusta. ...
  4. Install Proper Drainage. ...
  5. Cap it with Sand. ...
  6. Seed it or Sod It. ...
  7. The Final Touches. ...
  8. The Long Haul.

Why do they put sand on golf greens?

Sand helps cushion leaf tips and crowns and reduces algae. Increased Firmness – Turf produces organic matter in the upper rootzone that creates soft, spongy playing conditions. Regular sand topdressing, along with core aeration, improves surface firmness and resiliency.

How much does it cost to put a putting green in your backyard?

Putting Green Installation

Expect to pay between $11 and $25 per square foot to have a backyard putting green installed. This pricing could change based on size. The larger your golf green, the less you'll pay per square foot; most contractors lower their rates for bigger projects.

How much does a golf green mower cost?

The ability to mow turf at very low heights comes at a cost. While a new residential, walk-behind rotary mower can be purchased for $300, expect to pay upwards of $9,000 for the type of walk-behind reel mower used on a golf course.

What is Twilight in golf?

Twilight golf is defined as golf at or near the end of the day which will allow a golfer to complete as many holes as possible before dusk. It is designed to encourage green fee players to use this time at the end of the day.