Use this to sink more putts inside 20 feet

🧠 How to Read Slope Percentages Like a Tour Coach

One of the most common questions golfers ask about the Tour Read system is:

👉 “How do I determine the slope percentage on a putt?”

Ralph Bauer, PGA Tour coach and co-creator of the Tour Read app, ran a study on 100 players to find the best way to answer that question. The results? 90% of golfers were able to assess slope accurately using this method.

Let’s walk through it so you can start reading greens like the pros.

Let’s dive in 👇

Watch the video breakdown here!

🔭 Look Uphill—Not Down

When you’re approaching your putt, the best way to assess slope is from halfway between the ball and the hole, looking uphill.

Why uphill?

From that angle, the slope is much easier to detect. In contrast, if you stand behind the hole and look downhill, your eyes will underestimate the slope by as much as 25%—making you under-read the break.

So, skip the full 360 walkaround. Get low. Look up.

🧭 Use Two Reference Points

Once you’re standing in that uphill spot, you’ll need some visual reference to compare.

Pick two spots:

• One higher (Point #1)

• One lower (Point #2)

Then ask yourself:

“Which one is higher?”

Repeat the question from different angles if needed. Most golfers can clearly see the difference—and that gives you a strong reference to estimate the slope.

🧮 Overweight the End of the Putt

Now here’s where most amateurs get it wrong:

They treat the slope as equal throughout the putt. But that’s not how a putt breaks.

As the ball slows down, the slope affects it more, so we need to place more emphasis on the last third of the putt.

Ralph gives a simple example:

This method helps you play more break when it matters most—as the ball nears the hole.

🧪 Bonus Tip: Try Both Methods

Some players (about 10%) in Ralph’s study were more accurate standing directly behind the putt and judging slope over the ball. If you’re curious, try both methods during your next practice session and see which gives you better results.

But for most golfers?

✅ Standing halfway and looking uphill wins every time.

📲 Start Reading Greens Like a Tour Pro

Want to take this to the next level?

Ralph Bauer co-created the Tour Read app, the same system used by PGA Tour pros to dial in their green reading and pace control.

👉 Download the Tour Read Golf App

🎥 Watch the full video here: How to Determine Slope on Your Putts

About Ralph Bauer

Ralph Bauer has coached on the PGA Tour since 2009. He’s worked at all four majors, the Olympics, and has helped two of his players win major championships. His students have earned over $400 million in PGA Tour earnings. He’s coached on five continents and at every level of the game—and he co-created the Tour Read system to make green reading easier for every golfer.

💬 Try This Today

Next time you’re on the green, stop circling the hole. Instead:

• Stand halfway between the ball and hole

• Look uphill

• Use two visual markers for slope reference

• Overweight the final third of the putt

🏌️ You’ll start reading putts more accurately—and draining more of them.

🎥 Watch the Full Breakdown

👉 Click here to watch the video

Let me know if you have any questions—I’d love to hear how it’s working for you.