Putting Green
The putting green is the practice area with holes where you work on your putting before and after the round.
Almost every golf facility has a putting green, usually near the clubhouse and the first tee. It is maintained like the playing greens, often even with the same grass and the same cutting height so that the roll behaviour carries over. Many facilities add a chipping area for short approaches and sometimes a practice bunker. The putting green is part of the basic equipment — its quality says a lot about the condition of the whole facility. Unlike on the playing green, here you may lay down as many balls as you like and practise in peace.
In practice, the putting green has a clear task before the round: you tune in to the speed of the greens. An example: ten minutes before your tee time you roll putts from three, six and ten metres, not to hole them but to feel the pace. After rain the balls roll slower, in dry heat noticeably faster. Anyone who ignores this pays for it on the first three holes of the round. Getting your own routine into gear belongs here too: hole a few short putts to walk to the first tee with a feeling of success.
Typical mistakes are questions of etiquette. The putting green is not private property: anyone blocking three holes with fifteen balls annoys everyone else. Two or three balls are usual, plus consideration for those waiting. Equally unpopular: leaving pitch marks from practice balls played high onto it. The rules distinction also matters: practising on the putting green is allowed at any time, but not on the course itself between holes — there the green in play counts as part of the ongoing round.
FAQ
What is the most useful way to use the putting green before the round?
Ten minutes before your tee time, roll putts from three, six and ten metres, not to hole them but to feel the pace of the greens. After rain the balls roll slower, in heat faster — if you tune in, you do not give away the first holes. Finish by holing a few short putts so you head to the first tee with a feeling of success.
How many balls may I use on the putting green?
Two or three balls are usual; more blocks the holes for others. The putting green is a shared space, so clear up behind you and let waiting players join in. And do not hit high balls onto the practice green — pitch marks are there to be repaired.
May I practise on the putting green during the round?
Yes, the practice green is allowed at any time, including between holes. What is forbidden is practising on the course itself, for example trial putts on the green you have just left. Anyone who ignores this risks a penalty stroke.