Ava Romero
Green speed is a term used in golf to refer to the smoothness and consistency of a golf ball's movement across a putting surface. Golf course superintendents and greenkeepers use various tools to measure green speed, one of the most popular being the Stimpmeter. Invented in the 1930s by golfer Edward S. Stimpson, Sr., the Stimpmeter is a device that applies a known velocity to a golf ball and measures the distance travelled in feet. This simple tool has become synonymous with putting green speed and is used by superintendents to maintain and compare green speeds across courses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Device used to measure golf green speed | Stimpmeter |
| Inventor of Stimpmeter | Edward S. Stimpson, Sr. (1904-1985) |
| Year of invention | 1935 |
| Material used in the first Stimpmeter | Wood |
| Current material used in Stimpmeter | Aluminium |
| Stimpmeter design | An angled track that releases a ball at a known velocity |
| Stimpmeter reading | Stimp reading |
| Stimpmeter rating | Expressed in feet |
| Average Stimpmeter rating | 8-10 |
| Fast Stimpmeter rating | 11-12 or more |
| Lightning-fast Stimpmeter rating | 13 or 14 |
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What You'll Learn
Stimpmeter: a device used to measure green speed
The Stimpmeter is a device used to measure the speed of a golf course putting green. It was designed in 1935 by golfer Edward S. Stimpson, Sr., the Massachusetts state amateur champion and former Harvard golf team captain. Stimpson first got the idea for the device after witnessing a putt by a top professional roll off a green at the 1935 U.S. Open. He wondered how he could prove that the greens were unreasonably fast, and so he developed the Stimpmeter—a wooden, angled track that releases a ball at a known velocity so that the distance it rolls on a green's surface can be measured.
The Stimpmeter works by placing a golf ball in a notch that is 30 inches from one end, which is then slowly lifted while the other end remains on the ground. Once the device reaches an angle of about 20 degrees, the ball will roll down the chute and onto the green at a velocity of 6.00 ft/s (1.83 m/s). The distance the ball travels in feet is the 'speed' of the putting green. This process is repeated three times, and the average of these three measurements becomes one of the two measurements used to calculate the final speed.
The process is then repeated in the opposite direction, with the start point being the average point of where the three balls finished. This helps to balance out any slight slopes or the effect of the grain. The average roll going in one direction is then added to the average roll in the opposite direction, and the total is divided by two to get the final figure, or 'stimp reading'.
The Stimpmeter was first used by the USGA during the 1976 U.S. Open and was made available to golf course superintendents in 1978. A third-generation device was announced in 2013, which offered a shorter run-out option and improved accuracy and precision. Today, the Stimpmeter is a standard tool used by greenkeepers and course managers to ensure greens are running at a consistent speed.
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Stimp reading: the speed rating of a green
The stimp reading, or stimp meter reading, is the speed rating of a green. It is a measure of the smoothness and consistency with which a golf ball moves across the putting surface. The stimp reading is an important piece of information for golfers, as it helps them determine how hard to hit their putts.
The stimp reading is obtained by using a stimpmeter, a device designed in 1935 by golfer Edward S. Stimpson, Sr. It was first used by the USGA during the 1976 U.S. Open in Atlanta and made available to golf course superintendents in 1978. The device applies a known velocity to a golf ball and measures the distance travelled in feet. The stimp reading is then calculated by averaging the distances travelled by the ball in both forward and reverse directions.
To use the stimpmeter, one must first find a relatively flat section of the putting green, ideally around 10-14ft x 1ft in area. The golf ball is placed in a notch on the stimpmeter, which is then slowly raised to an angle of about 20 degrees, at which point the ball is released and rolls onto the green at a velocity of 6.00 ft/s (1.83 m/s). The distance travelled by the ball is then measured in feet, and this process is repeated three times, with the average of these three measurements becoming one of the two measurements used.
The process is then repeated in the opposite direction, with the start point being the average point of where the three balls finished. This helps to balance out any slight slopes or the effect of the grain. The average roll going in one direction is then added to the average roll in the opposite direction, and the total is divided by two to obtain the final figure, which is the stimp reading.
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Green speed: the smoothness and consistency of a ball's movement
Green speed is a term used to describe the smoothness and consistency of a golf ball's movement across a putting surface. Achieving the perfect green speed is a delicate craft that requires a combination of nature and meticulous greenkeeping.
The speed of a golf green is typically measured using a device called a Stimpmeter, which was invented by golfer Edward S. Stimpson, Sr. in 1935. The device consists of an angled track that releases a ball at a known velocity, allowing the distance it rolls on the green's surface to be measured. This distance, measured in feet, is then used to calculate the speed of the green.
To use the Stimpmeter, a flat area on the green is selected. The golf ball is placed on a notch located 30 inches from one end of the device. This end is then slowly lifted while the other end remains on the ground, allowing the ball to roll down the track and across the green. The distance from the end of the Stimpmeter to the ball's final position is measured, and the process is repeated two more times. For USGA validation, the three balls must be within 8 inches of each other.
The process is then repeated in the opposite direction to account for any slight slopes or grain, and the average distance of the three balls in each direction is calculated. These two averages are then added together and divided by two to obtain the final figure, which represents the speed of the green in feet.
Green speed is an important factor in the game of golf, as it affects how hard a golfer needs to hit their putts. Achieving a consistent green speed across an entire course is a challenging task for greenkeepers, and faster greens are often desired for competitions or certain times of the year to increase the challenge for golfers.
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Greenkeepers: the craftspeople who maintain green speed
Greenkeepers are the craftspeople behind the pristine putting surfaces of golf courses. They are responsible for maintaining the green speed, which refers to the smoothness and consistency of a golf ball's movement across the putting surface. Achieving the perfect green speed is a delicate craft that requires a combination of art and science, as well as a deep understanding of the elements and nature.
One of the essential tools in a greenkeeper's arsenal is the stimpmeter, also known as the 'stimp'. Invented by golfer Edward S. Stimpson, Sr. in 1935, the stimpmeter is a device used to measure the speed of a golf course putting green. Stimpson, a Massachusetts state amateur champion and former Harvard golf team captain, designed the stimpmeter after witnessing a putt by a top professional roll off the green at the 1935 U.S. Open. The original stimpmeter was made of wood and consisted of an angled track that released a ball at a known velocity to measure the distance travelled in feet.
Over the years, the stimpmeter has undergone several iterations. In 1976, Frank Thomas of the United States Golf Association (USGA) redesigned the device using aluminium, improving its accuracy and precision. The USGA first used the updated stimpmeter during the 1976 U.S. Open in Atlanta and made it available to golf course superintendents in 1978. The latest version, released in 2013, features a second hole for shorter run-outs and is manufactured to higher engineering tolerances.
Using the stimpmeter, greenkeepers can measure the speed of greens by selecting a flat area and placing a golf ball on the notch located 30 inches from one end. The device is slowly lifted until the ball rolls down the chute and across the green. This process is repeated three times, and the average of these readings becomes one of the two measurements used. The procedure is then repeated in the opposite direction to account for any slight slopes or grain effects. The average roll in both directions is added together and divided by two to obtain the final figure, known as the stimpmeter or 'stimp' reading.
While green speed is a highly sensitive and misunderstood topic in golf, greenkeepers play a crucial role in maintaining the desired speed and smoothness of the putting surfaces. They employ various practices, such as mowing heights, topdressing, verticutting, and hand watering, to achieve the desired green speed while also considering the impact on the environment and playing conditions.
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Green speed research: the study of green maintenance
Green speed research, or the study of green maintenance, is a crucial aspect of golf course management. The term "green speed" refers to the smoothness and consistency of a golf ball's movement across the putting surface. Achieving the perfect green speed is a delicate balance of nature and meticulous greenkeeping practices.
The history of green speed research dates back to the 1930s when Edward S. "Eddie" Stimpson, a golfer and inventor, created the Stimpmeter. This device, originally made of wood, is used to measure the speed of a golf course putting green by applying a known velocity to a golf ball and measuring the distance travelled in feet. Stimpson's invention set the standard for green speed measurements and sparked further research into green maintenance practices.
Over time, the United States Golf Association (USGA) adopted the Stimpmeter as the official tool for measuring green speeds. The USGA has continued to refine and update the device, releasing a third-generation version in 2013 that improved accuracy and precision. Today, the Stimpmeter is an essential tool for greenkeepers and course managers, who aim for consistent green speeds across the entire course.
In addition to the Stimpmeter, superintendents may also utilise tools to measure surface hardness or firmness, as this directly impacts the speed of the green. The smoother and firmer the surface, the further the ball will roll. Greenkeepers have a wide range of tools at their disposal, and their practices include mowing, spoon feeding, rolling, topdressing, and irrigation to create the ideal putting surface.
The art of greenkeeping involves a deep understanding of the science behind green speed. Dr Thomas Nikolai, known as the "Doctor of Green Speed," has led numerous studies on putting green maintenance to create consistent and uniform surfaces. The evolution of golf balls, from Gutta to Balata, has also influenced the importance of green speed, as newer balls roll straighter, increasing the demand for smoother and more uniform greens.
In conclusion, green speed research and the study of green maintenance are intertwined disciplines that require a combination of artistry and scientific knowledge. The development of tools like the Stimpmeter has provided a standardised metric for green speed, influencing the practices of greenkeepers and superintendents worldwide. As golfers' expectations continue to evolve, the pursuit of the perfect green speed remains a challenging yet rewarding endeavour for those dedicated to the craft.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf green speed, or 'green speed', refers to the smoothness and consistency with which a golf ball moves across the putting surface.
Golf green speed is measured using a device called a Stimpmeter, or 'Stimp'. The device was invented in 1935 by golfer Edward S. Stimpson, Sr. It is a yardstick with a V-shaped track down the middle that releases a ball at a known velocity so that the distance it rolls on a green's surface can be measured.
On average, golf courses typically measure around 8-10 feet on the Stimpmeter. A stimp rating of 13 or 14 is considered lightning-fast.
