What is grain in golf?

In golf, grain refers to the direction of the grass blades on a putting green. The direction of the grain can significantly impact the roll of a golf ball, especially on putts.

How Grain Affects Putts

When a putt is hit with the grain, the ball will tend to roll faster and straighter. This is because the grass blades are aligned in the same direction as the putt, providing less resistance.

Conversely, when a putt is hit against the grain, the ball will tend to roll slower and potentially curve. This is because the grass blades are aligned against the direction of the putt, creating more resistance and potentially causing the ball to deviate from its intended path.

Identifying Grain

There are several ways to identify the direction of the grain on a putting green:

• Observe the grass: Look closely at the direction the grass blades are leaning. This will indicate the direction of the grain.
• Feel the grass: Gently touch the grass with your hand. The direction of the grain will be the direction that feels smoother.
• Watch other players' putts: Observe how the ball rolls on putts hit by other players. This can give you an indication of the grain's direction.

Strategy for Putting with Grain

Knowing the direction of the grain can be a valuable advantage in putting. Here are some strategies to consider:

• With the grain: Hit your putts with a slightly lighter touch than usual, as the ball will roll faster.
• Against the grain: Hit your putts with a slightly firmer touch than usual, as the ball will roll slower.
• Cross-grain: Be aware that the ball may curve more significantly when putting across the grain.

Conclusion

Understanding grain is an essential aspect of putting, as it can significantly impact the roll of the ball. By carefully observing the direction of the grain and adjusting your putting strategy accordingly, you can improve your accuracy and consistency on the greens.