How to Play Golf on the Green

Success on the green is for golfers to keep their score low. Putting requires more finesse than hitting a drive or shot from the fairway, and there is also green etiquette that golfers should follow. Golfers who practice and become comfortable on the green can keep their scores low.

Things You'll Need

  • Putter
  • Ball marker
  • Ball mark repair tool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check to see if your ball made a mark when it landed on the green. If it did, use a ball mark repair tool to fix the pitch mark and smooth down the putting surface.

    • 2

      Determine which golfer's ball is farthest from the cup. Other players in the group whose balls are on the same line to the cup should mark the spot with a coin or ball marker, and pick up their balls. The golfer whose ball is farthest from the hole putts first. If he needs the flag in the cup to see where to putt, ask another golfer in the group to tend the flagstick. He should remove it if the putt seems like it will roll into the cup.

    • 3

      Remove the pin once all golfers are close enough to see the hole. Set the pin down on the green or fringe, out of everyone's line.

    • 4

      Walk carefully when you are on the green. Do not step on the line between other golfers' balls and the cup, because a foot print could deflect a putt.

    • 5

      Stand behind your ball and look at the green between your ball and the cup. Pay attention to any undulations and take them into account when putting. If the terrain is sloping away from the cup, for example, you will want to aim your putt outside the direct line to the cup instead of right at it.

    • 6

      Address the ball when you are ready to putt. Stand so the ball is between your feet and your body is at a comfortable distance from it. Place the putter on the ground behind the ball. Take the club head back slightly with a pendulum motion and then bring it forward to hit the ball.

    • 7

      Finish the hole by hitting your ball into the cup. After everyone in the group has holed out, replace the flagstick.