Clockface Putts: A Baseline Approach describes a simple and effective mathematical model for analyzing putts on uneven golf greens. It uses the analogy of a clock face with the hole at the center to quantify the slope of the surface and its impact on ball movement.
Key Elements of the Model:
1. Fall Line and Slope:
- The fall line is the direction of the steepest downhill slope and corresponds to the 12-6 axis.
- The slope is expressed as a percentage of the gradient along this line.
2. Quadrants and Baselines:
- The surface is divided into four quadrants, bordered by the fall line (12-6) and the 9-3 axis.
- Each "hour" on the clock represents a baseline running from the ball to the hole.
3. Baseline Slope Values:
Using the cosine of the angle between the baseline and the:
- 9-3 axis, approximate slope values are determined
- 9-3 Axis (Sidehill): 100% of the fall line slope
- 2, 4, 8, 10 o’clock: 87% of the fall line slope
- 1, 5, 7, 11 o’clock: 50% of the fall line slope
- 12-6 Axis: 0% slope
4. Symmetry and Training Focus:
- Putts on symmetrical positions (e.g., 4 and 10 o’clock) have identical slope values.
- Practicing putts at 4 and 5 o’clock allows a player to understand patterns for many other putts.
Advantages of the Clockface Model:
Visual Representation: The model provides an intuitive way to visualize the slope around the hole.
Easy Break Estimation: Players can estimate the slope and break based on the ball's position on the clock face.
Efficient Training: Symmetry patterns allow players to gain maximum insight into various putts with minimal effort.
This method offers golfers a practical way to improve their putting analysis and train for breaks effectively.
