We understand, golf can be a complex game, and it doesn’t help that that there is tons of golf lingo making the game even more confusing. Luckily this article is on hand to break down stimpmeters and what exactly they mean for your golf game.
What Is A Stimpmeter
In short, a stimpmeter is a device that is used to measure the speed of a golf green. This green speed refers to how quickly the ball will travel across a green when a putt is taken.
If you haven’t noticed already, speeds of golf course greens vary greatly. These speed changes have noticeable affects on your ability to putt the ball.
If you are a beginner golfer you may prefer a slower green. This may be due to the fact it is less likely you are going to blow your putt ten feet past the hole.
On the other hand, professional golfers prefer fast greens. These greens are often viewed as more predictable and easier to read for highly skilled golfers.
How It Works
A stimpmeter is essentially a small track that guides a ball down a ramp and out onto the green. To use a stimpmeter you must first setup the meter at a 22 degree angle.
You must then be sure that the end of the stimp meter is resting on a flat area. It is important that as the ball rolls out of the stimpmeter that it rolls out onto a flat area.
This is because a non flat area will affect the reading of the stimpmeter.
This tool works by measuring the total distance the ball rolls once it leaves the stimpmeter.
For example, lets say the ball is rolled out of the stimpmeter at a twenty-two degree angle and it travels 6 feet. At this point the green would be measured as 6 stimp.
Though there is an alternate way to measure with a stimpmeter if you cannot find a large area of flat green. Say there is no six foot area of flat green, then our last example wouldn’t have been possible as the ball would have been affected by an incline or decline.
If this is the case you are able to use only half the stimpmeter. By releasing the ball half way down the ramp you are able to get a measurement in a more confined area.
A ball that rolls out three feet after being placed half way up the stimpmeter has a measurement of 6 stimp. In short you will double your reading if you place the ball in the halfway point of the stimpmeter.
This will allow you to use this golf tool on nearly any putting surface.
Concluding Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed our guide to the stimpmeter in golf. If you have any questions about this article please reach out and let us know.
If you enjoyed this article you may want to learn about Stymies in golf.
