Few things in golf are as frustrating as a downhill putt that won't stop or an uphill putt that dies a foot short. Elevation changes speed more than almost anything else on the green, and judging it well can save several shots a round. The good news is that a few simple adjustments make uphill and downhill putts much more manageable.
Why elevation matters so much
Gravity slows an uphill putt and speeds up a downhill one. On a moderate slope, a putt can roll noticeably further or shorter than the same stroke on flat ground. On fast greens, the effect is even greater. Read putting on fast and slow greens.
Reading elevation
- Look from the side of the putt, halfway between the ball and the hole. Slopes up and down are easiest to see from here.
- Feel it through your feet as you walk.
- Notice the surroundings: greens often slope from back to front and towards water or lower ground.
- Watch other putts and chips, especially those near your line.
Read how to read greens.
Uphill putts
- Hit firmer: lengthen your stroke for the extra distance the slope demands.
- Imagine a hole beyond the real one: for a moderate uphill putt, picture a hole a couple of feet past it and putt to that.
- Play less break: a firmer putt holds its line more.
- Be aggressive: uphill putts are easier to hole because the slope slows the ball near the hole, and the return putt is usually short and uphill too.
Downhill putts
- Hit softer: shorten your stroke.
- Imagine a hole short of the real one and putt to that, letting the slope carry the ball the rest of the way.
- Play more break: a slow ball takes more of the slope.
- Consider a toe strike: some golfers deliberately strike the ball slightly towards the toe to deaden it on very fast downhill putts.
- Focus on the first few feet: on steep putts, the ball just needs to be started rolling.
Sidehill putts on slopes
When a putt runs across a slope as well as up or down, combine the adjustments:
- Uphill and sidehill: firmer, with less break.
- Downhill and sidehill: softer, with much more break. Aim higher than you think.
The most difficult putts are fast, downhill, sidehill putts. Pick a high aiming point, focus on speed and accept that a two-putt is a good result.
Approach strategy
The easiest way to handle downhill putts is to avoid them. When approaching a green that slopes back to front, aim to leave the ball below the hole. Read pin positions and flags and golf course management.
Drills
Up-and-down ladder
On a sloping part of the practice green, place tees at 10, 20 and 30 feet uphill and downhill from a hole. Putt to each and note how stroke length changes.
Imaginary hole drill
Place a coin a couple of feet beyond the hole on uphill putts, and short of it on downhill putts. Putt to the coin and see how many drop in the hole.
Circle drill on a slope
Place balls in a circle three feet from a hole on a slope. Hole them all, noticing how each position breaks differently.
Read putting drills to stop three-putting.
Common mistakes
- Underestimating uphill putts, leaving them short.
- Being too aggressive downhill, leaving long return putts.
- Ignoring the last few feet, where the ball slows and breaks most.
- Changing tempo: instead of jabbing or decelerating, change the length of the stroke.
Frequently asked questions
How much harder should I hit an uphill putt?
It depends on the slope and green speed. Picture a hole a little beyond the real one and putt to it.
Why do downhill putts break more?
They roll more slowly, giving gravity more time to pull the ball sideways.
Should I always leave the ball below the hole?
When possible, yes. Uphill putts are easier to control.
The bottom line
Elevation changes speed dramatically. Hit firmer and play less break uphill; hit softer and play more break downhill. Picture imaginary holes, read slopes from the side and try to leave yourself uphill putts. For long-distance speed control, read lag putting.