Many of you have seen our sign in golf reception stating a ‘stimp meter reading’ – ours is currently 9 – but what actually is it? In simple terms, it is an industry standard method of measuring green speed. So how do we get our reading, and what does it mean?
What is a Stimp Meter?
The Stimp meter is a ramp-like piece of metal with a starting notch and groove down the center to roll a golf ball down.
Measurement Process:
- The Stimp meter is placed on the green
- A golf ball is placed in the starting notch
- The meter is slowly raised until the ball releases and rolls down the ramp onto the green
- The distance the ball rolls after leaving the Stimp meter is measured in feet & inches
Calculation of Green Speed:
- This process is repeated in the opposite direction (so uphill and downhill) to ensure accuracy and to account for any slope or grain in the grass.
- The average of these distances is the green’s speed, expressed in feet & inches. For example, if the average roll is 10 feet 3 inches, the green is said to have a “Stimp” of 10ft 3.
What the Reading Means:
- Low Stimp Reading (e.g., 4-6 feet): Indicates slower greens (ours were consistently 7 last Winter in that horrific weather)
- High Stimp Reading (e.g., 10-12 feet): Indicates faster greens (major competition greens will have a Stimp of between 10 and 12)
The Stimp meter reading indicates to golfers how the ball will behave on the green, allowing you to adjust your putting accordingly by hitting softer or harder depending on the reading.
This week we will be taking steps to increase our reading by rolling the greens as well as cutting them!
