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Before getting into the nitty-gritty, lets define what we mean by “fast greens.” By amateur standards, greens are considered fast when they measure at least 10 on a Stimpmeter. For comparisons sake, the greens on most public courses roll at around 8-8.5, while PGA Tour speeds routinely reach 11 or higher.

Golfers unaccustomed to putting on fast greens must adjust, or endure a day full of three-putts and worse. The first issue is overcoming the fear factor. Quick greens neednt be intimidating, as long as you know how to handle them.

Now, about that. There are two simple adjustments to make. First, be sure your grip pressure is very light – about 3-4 on a scale of 10, with 10 being ultra-tight. This will smooth out any tension-induced jitters in your stroke and allow you to put a softer “hit” on the ball.

Next, your stroke should be slightly shorter than usual. For example, lets say that when putting from 5 feet on your regular course, you take the putter back 10 inches. For the same putt on faster greens, the back-stroke should be shortened by an inch or two. (Arrive in time to practice putting and get a feel for distance.)

By making a shorter stroke, youll prevent the dreaded deceleration that plagues many golfers on fast greens. Remember, the putter head must accelerate through the ball no matter how ticklish the putt.

One more tip: It sometimes help to grip down just a little – say, a half-inch to an inch. This will naturally shorten your stroke a touch and help you to better control the putter.

For additional advice on mastering speedy surfaces, click on these links:

Make More Short Putts on Fast Greens

Master Fast Greens with Minor Adjustments

Putting-Style Chip Comes in Handy on Fast Greens

Its easy to get nervous standing over a slick, downhill 4-footer. Nerves cause tension, which makes you squeeze the handle a little bit tighter. Youll have a harder time controlling the putter, and managing your speed. If you feel tense, shake your hands and loosen your arms before gripping the club.

This is the natural tendency among golfers putting faster-than-usual greens. Intent on babying the ball – and deathly afraid of hitting it too hard – they make a normal back-stroke and decelerate coming through. Putts hit this way rarely find and hold the line.

In fact, you should do the exact opposite. Heres a general rule: The faster the greens, the more break you should play. Furthermore, downhill putts will turn more than uphill putts. On big-breaking attempts, pick a spot on the side of the cup – not the dead center – and try to die the ball just over the lip.