In golf, the term “break” refers to the direction and amount that a putt deviates from a straight line on the putting green. When a putt is said to have a break, it means that the ball will curve or change direction due to the slope and contours of the green.
Several factors contribute to the break of a putt:
- Slope of the green: Greens are not perfectly flat; they are designed with subtle or pronounced slopes to provide challenges to golfers. The slope influences the path of the ball, causing it to break towards the low side of the slope.
- Grain of the grass: The grain of the grass on the green can affect the roll of the ball. The grain refers to the direction in which the blades of grass are growing. When putting against the grain, the ball tends to slow down and break more, while putting with the grain makes the ball roll faster and reduces the break.
- Speed of the putt: The speed at which the putt is struck affects the amount of break. Faster putts tend to break less than slower putts because they roll with more momentum and are less influenced by the contours of the green.
Reading the break of a putt is a skill that requires observation, experience, and feel. Golfers will often study the green from different angles to assess the slope and visualize the path of the putt. They may also use their putter as a plumb line or rely on their caddies or playing partners for advice.
To account for the break, golfers will aim their putts accordingly, aiming to start the ball on a line that compensates for the anticipated break. They may also consider the speed of the putt and adjust their stroke to optimize the chances of sinking the putt.
It's important to note that putting greens can be complex, and accurately predicting the break can be challenging. Even professional golfers sometimes misread putts. Practice, experience, and learning to trust one's instincts are all valuable in becoming proficient at reading and adjusting for the break of a putt.
Break of a Putt or Green: The direction a putted ball will roll or curve, deviating from a straight line, generally caused by slopes on a green but also affected by the direction grass is growing (grain) or high winds. “Break” is also used to signify good fortune, as in a lucky break.
