Harper Lin
In golf, the term stimp refers to the speed of a green, or the green speed rating. This is a numerical value that indicates how fast a golf ball rolls on the putting surface. The stimp rating is determined using a device called a Stimpmeter, which releases a golf ball at a consistent angle to measure its roll distance. The Stimpmeter was invented in 1935 by golfer Edward S. Stimpson, who wanted to achieve accurate, objective, and valid information on putting green speeds. Today, it is a crucial tool for greenkeepers and course managers, helping golfers determine how hard to hit their putts.
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The 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 invented in 1935 by golfer Edward S. Stimpson, Sr. (1904–1985), a Massachusetts state amateur champion and former Harvard golf team captain.
Stimpson created the Stimpmeter after witnessing a putt by a top professional golfer roll off a green at the 1935 U.S. Open. He wanted to prove that the greens were unreasonably fast and developed a device made of wood, now known as the Stimpmeter. The device is an 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 was redesigned in 1976 by Frank Thomas of the United States Golf Association (USGA). The modern version is made of aluminium and features a V-shaped groove that extends along its entire length, supporting the ball at two points. The device is placed on a flat surface on the green, and a golf ball is placed in the notch at the top. When the Stimpmeter is slowly raised to an angle of about 20 degrees, gravity pulls the ball out of the notch and it rolls down the groove at a consistent velocity. The distance the ball travels in feet is the 'speed' of the putting green.
The Stimpmeter is a crucial tool for greenkeepers and course managers, helping them to maintain consistent green speeds across a golf course. It is also useful for golfers, who can use the Stimpmeter readings to adjust their putting strategy and master the speed of any green.
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How to use a Stimpmeter
A stimpmeter is a device used to measure the speed of greens in golf. It is 36 inches (91 cm) long and has a V-shaped chute with a golf ball rolling down it. The process of using a stimpmeter involves four steps:
Firstly, find a flat surface on the green to be measured. This step is crucial as it ensures accurate and consistent results.
Secondly, identify the starting point of the measurement, which is typically at the end of the stimpmeter. Use a tee to mark this starting position. Slowly lift the stimpmeter until the ball is released from the notch, and repeat this process with two more balls for a total of three measurements.
Thirdly, check that all three balls come to rest within 8 inches of each other. If they do not, repeat the process to ensure accuracy. If the balls are within the 8-inch range, use a tape measure to find the distance from the starting point to the average of the three balls' final positions.
Finally, repeat the process in the opposite direction to balance out any slight slopes or grain effects. Calculate the average roll distance in both directions, add them together, and then divide by two to get the final figure, which is the stimpmeter reading, measured in feet.
The stimpmeter reading, or 'stimp reading', provides an objective measurement of green speed, allowing golfers to adjust their putting stroke and approach accordingly.
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Stimp ratings: what do they mean?
Stimp ratings are an important piece of information for golfers, helping them determine how hard to hit their putts. The "stimp" or "stimp rating" is a numerical value that represents how fast a golf ball rolls on a putting green. The higher the stimp rating, the faster the greens. For example, while a green speed of 7 is considered very slow, a stimp rating of 13 or 14 is considered lightning-fast.
The stimp rating is determined using a device called a Stimpmeter, which releases a golf ball at a consistent angle to measure its roll distance. The device was invented in the 1930s by golfer Edward S. Stimpson, who was convinced that the greens at the 1935 U.S. Open were unreasonably fast and wanted to devise a way to prove it. The Stimpmeter was redesigned in 1976 by Frank Thomas of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and became the standardised method for assessing green conditions.
The Stimpmeter is a yardstick-like device with a V-shaped groove in the middle to allow the ball to roll down in a consistent manner. It is placed on a flat surface on the green and slowly raised to an angle of about 20 degrees, at which point the ball rolls out of a notch in the device and onto the green. 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 is the official stimp rating.
Stimp ratings have generally increased over the years, with greens getting faster. While a stimp rating of 5 or 6 was common in the 1960s, today it is rare for major championship greens to rate below 10 or 11. The fastest greens ever recorded have stimped at 15 or higher, which is considered extremely challenging even for professional golfers.
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The history of the 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 1938), a Massachusetts state amateur champion and former Harvard golf team captain.
Stimpson was inspired to create the device after witnessing a putt by two-time champion Gene Sarazen roll off a green at the 1935 U.S. Open at Oakmont. He was convinced the greens were unreasonably fast and wanted to invent a device to officially calculate their speed. The original Stimpmeter was made of wood and was a simple chute for a ball to roll down.
In 1976, the Stimpmeter was redesigned using aluminium by Frank Thomas of the United States Golf Association (USGA). This version was first used by the USGA during the 1976 U.S. Open in Atlanta and was made available to golf course superintendents in 1978. The Stimpmeter became a standardised method for assessing green conditions, ensuring consistency across courses and tournaments.
In 2013, the USGA announced a third-generation device based on work by Steven Quintavalla, a senior research engineer at the USGA labs. This version features a second hole, enabling a shorter run-out, and is manufactured to higher engineering standards to improve accuracy and precision.
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Stimp variation across courses
The "stimp" or "stimp rating" of a golf course refers to the speed of the greens, or putting surfaces, and how fast a golf ball rolls on them. It is a crucial factor in golf course management and can impact the difficulty of the game. The stimp rating is determined using a device called a "Stimpmeter", which was invented by golfer Edward S. Stimpson, Sr. in 1935. The Stimpmeter measures the speed of the green by releasing a golf ball at a consistent angle and velocity and measuring the distance it travels. This process is repeated in different directions to account for any slopes or variations in the green's surface.
Stimp ratings can vary significantly across different golf courses and are influenced by various factors, including course design, maintenance practices, and weather conditions. For example, Augusta National, the host course of The Masters, is known for its fast greens, with stimp ratings typically exceeding 12. In contrast, older golf courses from the 1960s and earlier often had much slower greens, with stimp ratings as low as 5 or 6. Today, it is uncommon for major championship greens to have stimp ratings below 10 or 11, unless weather conditions, such as high winds, make faster speeds unplayable.
The ideal stimp rating for a golf course depends on various factors, including the type of competition, the time of year, and the preferences of the course managers and golfers. For instance, during the Club Championships or at certain times of the year, course managers may desire faster greens to pose a greater challenge for golfers. On the other hand, extremely fast greens can be undesirable as they can make the game too difficult or unpredictable. Exposed links courses on windy days, for example, can cause balls to move on the green, potentially requiring play to be suspended.
While stimp ratings have generally increased over time, with greens getting faster, there is still variation among different courses. Most everyday golfers will encounter greens with stimp ratings between 8 and 10, which are considered medium-paced and provide a balance of speed and challenge. These medium-paced greens are common at public courses, municipal layouts, and some private clubs. However, tour professionals are accustomed to putting on surfaces with stimp ratings of 13 or higher, showcasing the diverse range of stimp ratings across different golf courses.
In summary, the stimp variation across golf courses can be quite significant, ranging from slow greens with stimp ratings of 5 or 6 to lightning-fast greens exceeding 13. This variation is influenced by historical trends, course management decisions, and the specific characteristics of each golf course. The stimp rating plays a crucial role in determining the speed and playability of a golf course, impacting the strategies and performance of golfers.
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Frequently asked questions
Stimp, short for Stimpmeter, is a device used to measure the speed of a putting green by applying a known velocity to a golf ball and measuring the distance travelled in feet.
The stimp rating of a putting green is a numerical value that represents how fast the golf ball rolls on the putting surface. It is determined using a Stimpmeter. A higher stimp rating means lightning-fast greens, while a lower rating indicates a slower, more forgiving pace.
A Stimpmeter is a device used to measure the speed of greens. It is a simple tool that releases a golf ball at a consistent angle to measure its roll distance. The distance the ball rolls on the green once it has left the track is the "Stimp" reading.
