Are Green Speeds Out Of Hand? USGA Chief Weighs In

Explore the challenges of maintaining fair green speeds at Shinnecock Hills, as discussed by the USGA Chief.

By Marcus Bell, PGA Teaching Professional 2026-06-18

Green speeds on golf courses, particularly at prestigious locations like Shinnecock Hills, are becoming a growing concern. The USGA Chief recently highlighted the difficulty in maintaining fair play with these increasing speeds, suggesting that they may indeed be getting out of hand.

What Are Current Green Speeds?

Green speeds have been on the rise, with some courses reporting speeds exceeding 13 feet on the Stimpmeter, according to the USGA. This trend poses significant challenges for both course maintenance and player fairness. At Shinnecock Hills, managing these speeds has become particularly complex due to its undulating terrain and traditional design. In 2023, several major tournaments reported green speeds reaching 14 feet, which many players found to be at the edge of fair play.

For context, typical green speeds at major tournaments traditionally ranged from 10 to 12 feet. The increase to 14 feet represents a significant jump that requires both players and course managers to adapt quickly. This change has led to debates about whether the sport is leaning too heavily on technical prowess rather than skill.

Why Are Faster Greens Challenging?

Faster greens require precise maintenance and can lead to unfair playing conditions if not managed properly. A course like Shinnecock Hills, which hosted the US Open, needs to balance speed with playability. When green speeds exceed 12 feet, even slight undulations can make putting extremely difficult, leading to higher scores and player frustration. Players often have to adjust their putting techniques, focusing on softer hands and a lighter touch to navigate these slick surfaces effectively.

Impact on Player Performance

Faster greens can significantly impact player performance. Statistics from recent tournaments show that average putting scores increase by as much as 0.5 strokes per round when green speeds exceed 13 feet. This can alter leaderboard standings and impact overall tournament outcomes. For example, at the 2022 Masters, players who adapted their putting techniques to suit faster greens gained an average of 1.5 strokes over their competitors.

Adjusting Techniques

To cope with faster greens, players are incorporating more practice on similar surfaces. A common drill involves practicing putts from varying distances, focusing on consistency over a distance of 10 to 20 feet. Players often practice with a focus on touch, using a lighter grip and softer stroke to increase control.

How Is Shinnecock Hills Managing Green Speeds?

Shinnecock Hills has adopted advanced turf management techniques to control green speeds. This includes precise mowing schedules and advanced irrigation systems. Mowing heights are adjusted to a precise 0.110 inches to maintain consistent speeds without sacrificing grass health. However, as the USGA Chief points out, these adjustments are often not enough to counteract the effects of modern equipment and player capabilities. Routine checks and adjustments are made daily during tournaments to ensure optimal playing conditions.

Innovative Techniques

Shinnecock Hills employs a combination of growth regulators and moisture sensors to maintain green consistency. The use of these tools helps keep the grass healthy and prevents excessive growth that could slow down greens, ensuring that speeds remain challenging but fair. Growth regulators are applied bi-weekly to control grass length, while moisture levels are monitored daily to prevent over-drying, which can lead to excessively fast greens.

What Role Does Technology Play?

Golf technology has significantly contributed to the challenge of managing green speeds. Equipment advancements have enabled players to hit longer and more accurate shots, which can reduce the margin for error on fast greens. According to the USGA, the gap between player skill and course design is widening as technology evolves. Clubs with enhanced grooves and new ball designs allow players to generate more spin, making it crucial for greens to be maintained at optimal speeds to prevent courses from becoming obsolete.

In 2023, the average driving distance on the PGA Tour increased to over 300 yards, highlighting the impact of technology. This increase in distance places additional pressure on greens to be maintained at faster speeds to challenge modern players effectively.

Are Green Speeds Affecting Tournament Outcomes?

Faster greens can indeed impact tournament outcomes by favoring players with exceptional putting skills. At the 2018 US Open at Shinnecock Hills, for example, green speeds reached over 14 feet, which many players argued was unfair. This led to increased scrutiny on how green speeds are managed during major tournaments. Analysis shows that players with top-tier putting statistics often finish higher on the leaderboard in tournaments with faster greens.

Case Studies

Reviewing recent tournaments, such as the 2022 Masters, reveals that players who excelled in putting saw a significant advantage, with the top 10 finishers averaging 1.5 strokes gained on the greens. This demonstrates the critical role that putting skill plays in adapting to faster greens.

What Is the USGA Doing About It?

The USGA is actively researching ways to maintain fair green speeds. This includes studying the impact of green speeds on playability and exploring new maintenance techniques. As of 2023, the organization is also considering guidelines to help courses balance speed with fairness, ensuring that player skill remains the primary determinant of success. The USGA is testing new grass varieties that could naturally grow slower, reducing the need for aggressive maintenance.

Furthermore, the USGA is engaging with course designers to modify existing greens and develop new ones that can handle increased speeds without compromising playability. This collaborative approach aims to future-proof courses against technological advancements in equipment.

Can Green Speeds Be Controlled?

While completely controlling green speeds is challenging, courses can implement several strategies to manage them effectively. These include adjusting mowing heights, modifying irrigation practices, and using growth regulators. The goal is to achieve a balance where the greens are challenging but not unplayable, maintaining the integrity of the game. Regular monitoring and adjustments are critical, with grounds crews often working overnight during tournaments to set optimal conditions.

Practical Steps for Course Managers

Course managers can benefit from implementing a routine that includes daily speed checks using a Stimpmeter, adjusting irrigation based on weather forecasts, and employing growth regulators bi-weekly. These steps help sustain consistent green speeds throughout the season. Additionally, integrating technology such as moisture sensors and data analytics can provide real-time insights into green conditions, enabling more precise adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are typical green speeds on a Stimpmeter?

Typical green speeds range from 8 to 12 feet on a Stimpmeter, with championship courses often exceeding 12 feet.

How does green speed affect putting?

Higher green speeds make putting more challenging, requiring greater precision and touch. Slower greens allow for more aggressive putting.

What is the Stimpmeter?

The Stimpmeter is a device used to measure the speed of a golf course's greens by rolling a ball down a ramp and measuring the distance it travels.

Why are green speeds increasing?

Green speeds are increasing due to advancements in turf management and player demands for faster, more challenging courses.

How do courses manage fast greens?

Courses manage fast greens by adjusting mowing schedules, using growth regulators, and employing advanced irrigation techniques to control growth.

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