What is a stimpmeter, and how is it helping golfers?

Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered how golf courses manage consistent green speeds or why putts feel different at different courses, the answer often lies in the stimpmeter. This simple tool has transformed green speed measurement, helping course managers fine-tune their greens and players adjust to varying conditions. Let’s explore what a stimpmeter is, how it works, and how understanding it can improve your game.

What is a Stimpmeter?

The Basics

The stimpmeter measures green speed by rolling the golf ball consistently at a set velocity, and measuring the distance the golf ball rolls on a flat section of the putting green.  It’s usually done 3 times in each direction and averaged out for accuracy.  This measurement, often called the “stimp rating,” is an objective way for greenkeepers to monitor and maintain consistent green speeds. This tool helps golfers anticipate how quickly their putts will travel across the green.

Why is it Called a "Stimp"?

Named after Edward Stimpson, a skilled golfer and course official, the stimpmeter was first developed in the 1930s. Stimpson’s curiosity about why certain greens played faster than others led him to create a tool that could measure these differences. After much refinement, the USGA adopted his device, making it the standard for green speed measurement.

How Does It Work?

Stimpmeter Basics

The stimpmeter is a 36-inch metal bar with a precise V-shaped groove and a notch that is designed to release the golf ball when the metal bar is lifted 20 degrees from the ground. A golf ball is placed in the notch and released as the bar is lifted, allowing gravity to pull the ball down the groove. The distance the ball travels from this consistent release is recorded as the green’s speed.

Genius in the Design: Why It’s So Accurate

What makes the stimpmeter particularly genius is its ability to maintain a constant release velocity regardless of slight slope variations on the green. Even if the stimpmeter isn’t on a perfectly flat surface, the consistent 20.5-degree release angle means the ball’s velocity remains the same. This precision ensures that green speed readings are consistent and eliminates many variables that might skew measurements with other tools.

How Does This Help Me?

Understanding Green Speed

Knowing the stimp rating of the greens you’re playing on allows you to make smarter putting decisions. Faster greens (with higher stimp readings) require more controlled strokes, as even slight slopes can cause the ball to break significantly. On slower greens, you’ll need to putt with more power to reach the hole.

Putts Break More on Faster Greens

The higher the stimp ratings, the more the putt will break on the same slope.  Meaning a 1% sloped putt on a 9 stimp breaks less than a 1% sloped putt on a 12 stimp.  See our putt calculator tool below to see how much each Stimp rating changes the brake.  This knowledge can help you read putts more effectively, predicting how the ball will behave and adjusting your aim accordingly.

Calibrating Your Aim to the Stimp Rating

Different courses have varying green speeds, so calibrating your putting strategy to each course’s stimp rating can dramatically improve your accuracy. Knowing if the green is running fast or slow helps you set a game plan and build confidence in each stroke.

What Are Most Public Courses Stimped At?

Most Public Courses

Public courses typically have green speeds of around 8-9 on the stimpmeter scale, making them manageable for most players. This speed allows for a balance between smooth rolling putts and forgiveness for players of varying skill levels.

PGA Events

Professional tournament greens, like those on the PGA Tour, often measure 12 or higher on the stimp scale, presenting an added challenge even for experienced golfers. Fast greens demand precision and controlled speed, a level of difficulty rarely seen on public courses.

How Green Speeds Have Changed Over Time

Greens have become much faster over the decades, partly due to advances in turf management. Fifty years ago, a stimpmeter reading of 7 was typical, while today, average courses might reach 9 or even 10. This evolution reflects advancements in grass types, mowing techniques, and course maintenance practices.  See this article for How green speeds have changed over time.

Conclusion

The stimpmeter’s simple design makes it an invaluable tool for golfers and course managers alike. By understanding and utilizing stimp readings, you can make more informed putting decisions and adjust to green speeds with greater precision. Whether you’re navigating a casual round at a public course or watching a PGA event, the stimpmeter offers a unique perspective on one of the game’s most crucial variables: green speed.

 

If you want a quicker and more convenient way to get the Stimp, check out the Stimp Sticks™, the quickest and most convenient Stimpmeter on the market, that also double as alignment sticks.