[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Know-how to Read Breaks Around the Hole"

When putting, read the break caused by the dew on the green around the hole.

The grain of grass is called "grain" in English.

Another term is "nap." Grain refers to the texture that appears on the surface of wood and stone. In golf, the grain of the grass is important because it affects putting and chip shots. On the green, it especially controls speed and slope. This is the difference between with the grain and against the grain. You can sense the direction the ball will roll based on the grain of the grass around the hole. Just look at the hole's edge around the circumference of the hole in the opposite direction of the grass grain flow.

Usually, one side is intact while the other side is often damaged by the putted ball (One side of the hole will appear sharply cut, while the other will appear shaggier). This is how you assess the condition of the grain. The ball inevitably rolls toward the direction where the grass is torn and damaged. Islands such as Hawaii, Guam, and Jeju Island are representative examples. You can see this clearly on downhill ocean break holes facing the sea.

Because the ball rolls fast, aim the putter head softly toward the damaged hole direction and hit it a big soft. This is called a dying putt. It is a method where the ball slows down near the hole and goes into the hole. When the green color is light and the grain lies down, it is calculated as with the grain (well rolling), and when the green color is dark and the grain stands up, it is calculated as against the grain (not rolling well).

A: How do I judge the grain around the hole?

B: Check the grain around the circumference of the hole. One side of the hole will appear sharply cut, while the other will appear shaggier.

A: Which way do you think this putt will break?

B: It'll break about 2 inches to the right.

Text & Photo by Kim Maengnyeong, Golf Columnist