What is the Stimpmeter?

Have you wondered just how fast the greens you play compare to those of another golf course you play regularly or perhaps to the conditions that are in the US Open? The speed of the green can actually change during the course of the day depending upon the amount of moisture from any dew or precipitation that may occur, how much the grass grows during the day, the amount of play and marks left by fellow golfers strolling all over the green. In addition, the amount of slope or the terrain is inconsistent from one green to the next just due to the lay of the land.

It is important that if you are putting on the practice putting green prior to the start of the round that all the greens you play during the round should be just as consistent. The ability to read a putt isn't necessarily knowing not only the distance, but relying on the speed as well. A course with well kept conditions helps make a true test or challenge by rewarding those able to precisely read the greens more so than relying on luck. However, this always wasn't the case as there are no standard for how fast the greens should be.

A devise, aptly named the Stimpmeter, was designed in 1937 by Edward S. Stimpson and later modified in the 1970's by the USGA's technical department. It was management device to measure the speed of the green as a way to assist golf course superintendents and greens keepers the ability to maintain the green conditions so they were consistent from one to the next. The Stimpmeter is a 30 inch long aluminum ramp with a V-shaped channel for a golf ball to be placed. It is positioned on a (relatively) level part of the green at a 20 angle and a total of three balls are released and allowed to run down to the green and roll. Where each ball comes to rest is measured relative to the base of the Stimp Meter, then is re-positioned approximately at the same place the other three balls laid to rest and the process repeats itself 180 or in the opposite direction. The distances the 6 balls traveled are added up and divided by six. This reading is actually the average number of feet the ball rolls.

Most public or municipal golf courses are set to a Stimp reading of between 7 and 10. Slow or soft greens would be in the 5 to 7 range, while most courses on the PGA Tour would be in the 10-12 range. Consider US Open course that are typically the fastest at 12, with even the slightest of tap of the putter with the ball above the hole, the ball can easily run far past the hole or even off of the green! This is why custom club fitting is important when selecting the proper putter for the course(s) you play most often.


Other Technical Articles of Interest:
- What is the Stimpmeter?
- Custom Fit Golf Clubs - What is the Fitting Process?
- Understanding the Golf Handicap System
- Why Custom Made Golf Clubs Are Superior to Off-the-Shelf Clubs
- How to Read a Golf Scorecard
- Golf Terms & Glossary
- Why Custom Golf Clubs Will Improve Your Game