Use a Stimpmeter in order to comparatively
gauge the speed of your putting green with respect to the speed of
other greens under the same conditions. This device is easy to
use, and it helps you achieve accurate, objective, and
statistically valid measurements of the speed of a putting
surface.
A Stimpmeter is an
extruded aluminum bar, 36 inches in length, with a V-shaped groove
extending along its length. This USGA’s device was
itself modeled after the original design by Edward Stimpson circa
1936.
The speed of a green measured with a Stimpmeter is dependent
upon many factors.
These factors include slope, grass type, grain direction,
irrigation, weather and time of day. This is why green speeds that
are numerically equal, but are measured at different courses can be
qualitatively different. Thus, it has been argued that
green speeds amongst different courses should not to be used for
comparative purposes.
Consequently, all green speed measuring devices are only precise
when used to compare greens/surfaces under the same conditions,
that is, at the same course.
According to a survey/study by Dr. Thomas Nikolai (a turf grass
specialist at Michigan State University),
Stimpmeter readings varying more than 6 inches
amongst adjacent greens are not detectable by most
players. Stimpmeter readings on
typical North American golf courses generally range from 7 to 12
feet.
Use the golf green Stimpmeter indoors on artificial greens and
carpets so that you can be better prepared to take your polished
putting stroke out on the course, able to relate the speed of
your practice surface with the speed of the greens on your home
course.
- Instructions are included.
- Makes a great practice tool.
- An absolute must for every greens keeper.
Make a great Christmas gift for the golfer on your list!
The Stimpmeter ® mark is a registered trademark of the United
States Golf Association (USGA ®).
Golf Green Stimpmeter
The Stimpmeter is made from 1/4" x 2" x 36"
anodized aluminum bar, with a V-angle of 145 degrees, and a
precision milled ball release notch 30" from one end. The end
resting on the green is milled on the underside to reduce bounce
when the ball contacts the green.
-
When checking the speed of a green, select a
level area of about a ten foot circle.
-
Place a golf ball (small, dimpled), in the notch
and raise one end slowly ( 20 degrees ) until the ball rolls down
the V incline and out onto the green.
-
Do this with three balls from the same spot and
record the distance from the coin or tee to where the ball
stops.
-
Repeat with three balls from the opposite
direction. The average of the six measurements is the speed
of the green.
-
For example, if the six measurements were 10',
9.5', 9.8', 11', 11.3', 10.8', then the speed of the green is (10 +
9.5 + 9.8 + 11 + 11.3 + 10.8)/6 = 10.4'.
General Information on Greens Speeds
For Regular
Play:
For Tournament Play:
8-9 Feet
Fast
10-11 Feet Fast
7-8 Feet
Semi-Fast
9-10 Feet
Semi-Fast
6-7 Feet
Medium
8-9
Feet
Medium
5-6 Feet
Semi-Slow
7-8
Feet
Semi-Slow
4-5 Feet
Slow
6-7
Feet
Slow
