Miles Bennett
Green speed in golf refers to the smoothness and consistency of a golf ball's movement across the putting surface. It is a term that came into existence with the advent of rubber core golf balls in the late 1800s or early 1900s. The speed of a green is measured using a device called a Stimpmeter, which was invented in 1935 by golfer Edward S. Stimpson, Sr. This device is placed on a flat part of the green, and golf balls are rolled down to measure how far they travel, with the distance travelled determining the speed of the green. Green speed is of utmost importance to golfers and superintendents, as it significantly impacts the game and requires a delicate balance of nature and greenkeeping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | "Green speed" refers to the smoothness and consistency with which a golf ball moves across the putting surface. |
| Measurement tool | Stimpmeter |
| Stimpmeter description | A yardstick with a V-shaped track down the middle; a small ramp down which golf balls are rolled |
| Stimpmeter usage | Balls are rolled down the Stimpmeter onto a flat part of a green; the distance they roll determines the stimp rating |
| Stimpmeter history | Invented in 1935 by golfer Edward S. Stimpson, Sr. Redesigned in 1976 by Frank Thomas of the USGA. |
| Stimpmeter measurement process | Balls are rolled 3 times in one direction and 3 times in the opposite direction; the average of the 6 measurements is the stimp rating. |
| Stimpmeter speed | The ball rolls at a repeatable velocity of 6.00 ft/s (1.83 m/s) |
| Typical stimp ratings | Average courses: 8-10 feet. Tournament greens: 11-12 feet or more. A stimp rating of 13 or 14 is considered lightning-fast. |
| Factors affecting green speed | Weather, humidity, grass length |
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What You'll Learn
'Stimp' or green speed rating
The "stimp" or "stimp rating" of a putting green is a numerical value that represents how fast a golf ball rolls on the putting surface. Golfers refer to this as the "green speed rating". The higher the stimp rating, the faster the green speed. A green speed of 7 is generally considered very slow, while a speed of 9 is considered moderate. Most everyday golfers will encounter greens that stimp between 8 and 10, which provides a fair balance of speed and challenge. These are considered medium-paced greens and are typical at public courses, municipal layouts, and even some private clubs.
The stimp rating is based on a measurement taken with a simple instrument called a Stimpmeter. The Stimpmeter was invented in the 1930s by Edward Stimpson, who was the Massachusetts Amateur Champion at the time. Stimpson created the device out of curiosity to achieve accurate, objective, and valid information on putting green speeds. It looks like a yardstick with a V-shaped groove in the middle to allow the ball to roll down in a consistent and repetitive manner.
To take a stimp rating measurement, a golf ball is rolled down the Stimpmeter onto a flat part of the green, and the distance it rolls determines the rating. For example, if a ball rolls 11 feet after leaving the ramp, the green is stimping at 11. In general, stimp ratings have increased over the years, with most PGA Tour venues now having green speeds of around 12.
The term "green speed" came into existence with the introduction of rubber core golf balls in the late 1800s or early 1900s. With newer golf balls that rolled straighter, the uniformity and smoothness of putting greens became more important to golfers, triggering research initiatives in the 20th century that continue to shape the maintenance of putting greens today.
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Stimpmeter
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. (although some sources state the 1930s more generally). The device is 36 inches (91 cm) long and has a V-shaped chute down which a golf ball rolls. It is designed with two notches to hold the ball: one 30 inches from the tapered end that rests on the ground, and the other 14 inches from the end. The process for measuring green speed is as follows:
- A golf ball is placed on the notch that is 30 inches from the end (also known as the 1X notch).
- The tapered end of the Stimpmeter is slowly lifted, with the other end still on the ground, until the ball rolls down the chute and across the green.
- A measurement is taken from the end of the Stimpmeter to the ball's finishing position.
- Steps 1-3 are repeated two more times, and so long as each reading is within eight inches of one another, the average of these three measurements is taken.
- Steps 1-4 are repeated, but with the start point now being the average point of where the three balls finished, and with the chute pointed in the opposite direction to the previous rolls.
- The average roll going in one direction is added to the average roll in the opposite direction, and the total is divided by two to get the final figure, measured in feet. This is the Stimpmeter reading, or 'stimp rating'.
The Stimpmeter is a crucial tool for greenkeepers and course managers, who aim to have greens running at a consistent speed across the entire course. On average, courses typically measure around 8-10 feet on the Stimpmeter, with tournament greens as high as 11-12 feet or more. A stimp rating of 13 or 14 is considered lightning-fast. Most PGA Tour venues have green speeds of around 12.
The golf term "stimp", or green speed rating, gives golfers important information that helps them determine how hard to hit their putts. Green speed refers to the smoothness and consistency with which a golf ball moves across the putting surface.
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Green speed history
The golf term "green speed" refers to the smoothness and consistency of a golf ball's movement across the putting surface. The introduction of rubber-core golf balls in the late 1800s or early 1900s, which rolled straighter than their predecessors, led to the coining of the term. As golfers' expectations rose, the uniformity and smoothness of putting greens became increasingly important, triggering greens research initiatives in the 20th century that continue to shape greenkeeping practices today.
The quest for faster-putting surfaces has spurred the development of innovative grasses and agronomy practices, resulting in much-improved golf course putting surfaces compared to 50 years ago. The invention of the Stimpmeter in the 1930s by Edward Stimpson, a golfer and the Massachusetts state amateur champion, played a pivotal role in quantifying green speed. Stimpson created the device to objectively measure green speed after witnessing a top professional's putt roll off the green at the 1935 U.S. Open. The Stimpmeter was officially adopted by the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 1976, following improvements by USGA technical director Frank Thomas.
Before the Stimpmeter's adoption, green speed assessments were largely subjective, varying across courses. The Stimpmeter revolutionized greenkeeping by providing a standardized measurement tool, ensuring consistency across courses and tournaments. It also empowered superintendents to fine-tune greens to meet specific standards, thereby enhancing fairness in competitions.
Over the years, stimp ratings have generally increased, indicating faster green speeds. For instance, in 1978, the greens at Augusta National, the host course of The Masters, had a stimp rating below 8. By 2017, green speeds at The Masters consistently reached 12 or higher, depending on weather conditions. Today, most PGA Tour venues feature green speeds of around 12, while major championships like the U.S. Open or Masters can see greens rolling at 13 or higher.
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Green speed maintenance
Maintaining the speed of a green is a complex and challenging task that requires a good understanding of various factors. Green speed refers to the smoothness and consistency of a golf ball's movement across the putting surface. It is influenced by several factors, including the putting green design, grass type, golfer ability, and other factors like temperatures, humidity, rainfall, and routine maintenance practices.
One of the key practices in green speed maintenance is mowing. Mowing heights have decreased significantly over the years, with the average height now ranging from 0.1 to 0.25 inches. Finding the right mowing height is crucial as it directly impacts the speed of the green. Lower mowing heights tend to promote smoother and more uniform surfaces, but they can also increase the risk of turf injury and reduce the ability of the green to absorb shock from golf shots. Additionally, frequent mowing promotes high shoot density and vertical leaf growth, resulting in a smoother putting surface.
Another important practice is rolling. Rolling gained popularity in the early 1900s, but the frequent use of heavyweight rollers resulted in soil compaction and a decline in turf health. Today, lightweight rollers are commonly used to provide fast and true putting surfaces while preserving turf health. Rolling is especially beneficial in regions with freeze and thaw cycles, as it helps correct soil heaving and reduces algae and dollar spot disease.
Other practices that contribute to maintaining faster greens include lower mowing heights, regular topdressing, verticutting, and hand watering. Courses with faster greens also tend to invest in improving the putting green growing environment by removing trees and enhancing drainage. However, it is important to note that faster greens come at a cost. Higher maintenance expenses, turf damage, and slower rounds of golf that are less enjoyable can result from pushing for faster green speeds.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that green speed should not be the sole factor in evaluating the quality of a golf green. Resiliency, uniformity, smoothness, and firmness all contribute to the overall green speed and playing experience. Additionally, comparing green speeds between different courses is not advisable due to the numerous variables involved, such as green contours and golfer skill levels.
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Green speed and golfer expectations
The golf course inspires a range of emotions in golfers, from reverence to trepidation. The green, in particular, is considered the most revered space on the course. Green speed, which refers to the smoothness and consistency of a golf ball's movement across the putting surface, is a consequence of the delicate craft of golf course superintendents.
Golfers have certain expectations when it comes to green speed. The term "green speed" came into existence when the Balata ball replaced the Gutta ball, as golfers' expectations increased due to the newer balls' ability to roll straighter. The uniformity and smoothness of putting greens became more important to golfers, triggering research initiatives in the 20th century that influenced the maintenance of putting greens.
Today, golfers demand the opportunity to test their skills on fast greens. They often want the fastest numbers so they can brag to their friends. This has led to a boom in smooth, firm putting green surfaces globally, with clubs reporting speeds to compete with neighboring clubs and premier courses showcased on television. On average, courses measure around 8-10 feet on the Stimpmeter, with tournament greens as high as 11-12 feet or more.
The Stimpmeter, invented in 1935 by golfer Edward S. Stimpson, Sr., is a device used to measure green speed by applying a known velocity to a golf ball and measuring the distance traveled in feet. A stimp rating of 13 or 14 is considered lightning-fast, with most PGA Tour venues having green speeds of around 12. While faster greens may be desired by golfers, the USGA works to educate golfers that "faster does not mean better," as this misconception can impact course inputs and putting green health.
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Frequently asked questions
Green speed refers to the smoothness and consistency with which a golf ball moves across the putting surface.
Green speed is measured using a device called a Stimpmeter, which was invented in 1935.
A Stimpmeter is a yardstick with a V-shaped track down the middle. Golf balls are rolled down the track onto a flat part of the green, and the distance they travel determines the green speed.
A stimp rating of 13 or 14 is considered very fast. Most PGA Tour venues have green speeds of around 12. On average, courses measure around 8-10 feet on the Stimpmeter, with tournament greens as high as 11-12 feet or more.
No, the term "green speed" came into existence when the Balata ball replaced the Gutta ball, as golfers' expectations increased due to the newer balls rolling straighter.
