Jordan Spieth's Apex Point in Putting
Jordan Spieth doesn't focus on the line first—he focuses on the apex of the curve. On the PGA Tour, he demonstrates how he reads a long putt from the high side, and then how he adjusts his approach for the more technical 1- to 8-foot putts.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
For Jordan Spieth, reading a long putt is part of the motion: he walks, reads the putt, and doesn't wait too long before putting, so that react to what he sees rather than overthinking it. On long putts, speed is the priority, and the line is built around a apex point, the peak of the curve. It then moves to at the top, starting from this point, which few players do, to figure out where the putt straightens out and where gravity will carry the ball toward the hole.
He acknowledges that amateurs are hesitant to play these very high lines gently, for fear of coming up short and missing the target. You have to trust the slope. On putts from 4 to 8 feet (1.2 to 2.5 m) on fast greens, it’s different: the ball can’t start in the center and stay straight. So he takes care to address and stillness: Align the putter, get into a comfortable stance, and use a motion that rotates your shoulders.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Start reading as you walk toward the green, without freezing up.
- Find the highest point of the curve, roughly in the middle of the putt.
- Stand on the high side, starting from this point, and look toward the hole.
- Find the spot where the putt straightens out and the ball just has to roll downhill.
- Determine the right speed for taking the apex with just a few practice runs.
- For a short, fast putt, carefully align the putter, stay still, and roll your shoulders.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Align the putt before finding the apex point.
- Read only from behind the ball, never from the high side.
- Playing too low out of fear of running out of range on a high line.
- Hesitating too long after reading the putt.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Long downhill putts: Mentally mark the apex before each putt
- Read each putt from the high side, starting at the apex
- Putts from 3 to 8 feet on a slope: practicing accuracy and stability
- Note whether missed shots go under the line
Your Questions
What is the apex of a putt?
The highest point of the curve the ball will follow, roughly halfway through the putt. Jordan Spieth uses this to determine his line and speed.
Why read from the top?
From the apex, on the upswing, he can see where the putt straightens out and where the ball will simply roll toward the hole under the force of gravity. He notes that few players take this perspective.
Are short putts read the same way?
No. On fast greens, between 4 to 8 feet, Spieth refers to these as more technical putts: he focuses especially on aligning the putter and keeping his body still over the ball.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Jordan Spieth). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.