All of these techniques and putting strategies won’t mean anything if you don’t know how to begin with reading a putt. Reading a putt is the process of analyzing all the details of a particular putt, such as elevation changes and breaks, in order to accurately predict where it should go
Here’s an efficient way I recommend:
Look At The Terrain – Carefully analyze the slope and contours of the green in order to get an idea of how far your ball will be rolling and which direction it will go. Pay attention to subtle breaks on the green and make sure you understand where they are leading your ball.
Read The Lie – Take into consideration what type of lie your ball has, as this can dramatically affect where it will go once it is hit. For example, if your ball is situated directly behind a bunker or hazard then it should require more power in order to reach its target.
Visualize Your Aim Line – Once you’ve understood all elements of the terrain and lie, imagine an “aim line” between your starting point and intended destination for where you want the ball to go. This will help you determine which direction you need to adjust your stance prior to striking the shot.
Take Practice Swings – Set up with your adjusted stance and take a few practice swings at different levels of power until you find one that feels comfortable while still reaching your desired target spot on the green.
Hit The Putt – When everything feels right, trust in yourself that all angles were set properly before committing to striking the ball!