What is the most difficult part of golf for you? If your answer is downhill putting, you are at the right place. Putting as you know is the climax of the game and basically, it can either make or break your game. So, yeah, precision is the key here, but the right technique is just as crucial. But what exactly is the right technique?

A lot of golfers think that when you’re putting uphill or downhill, all you need to do is adjust the force behind your stroke. Sounds simple enough, right? But it’s not always that easy. Sure, there’s the typical advice, but here’s the thing: everyone’s got their own little quirks and style. So, what’s the real secret? Let’s take a dive into it.

1. How to control speed:

When it comes to controlling the speed of your putts, it’s easy to think you just need to barely tap it for downhill ones. But here’s the catch: if you’re constantly adjusting the force you use, you’ll throw off your rhythm, and then getting the speed right is more about luck than skill.

Here’s a little trick to help with those downhill putts: before you even take the stroke, picture the hole being closer to you than it actually is. How much closer? That depends on the slope, but the idea is to make your practice stroke like you’re putting to a hole that’s a bit nearer. This will help shorten your stroke, but the key is that the club will still accelerate smoothly, so even if you miss, the next putt is a tap-in.

2. What’s the expert take on this?

Golf instructor Butch Harmon, has a similar take on downhill putting. A lot of players think they need to hit the ball with the toe of the putter to get a little more control, but that can actually mess with your accuracy by opening up the putter blade. Instead, Butch Harmon suggests holding the grip so lightly that the putter feels like it might slip out of your hand. The bonus tip? “If you use a light grip and the slow-motion stroke, you’re going to make more downhill putts,” says the instructor.

So, does it really work? Absolutely. Using a light grip and taking a smooth, controlled stroke helps you stay consistent. Additionally, this approach keeps the putter head square, giving you more precision on those downhill putts. So, next time you’re faced with a fast green with a tricky downhill putt, remember to keep your grip light and your stroke slow. It really can be a game-changer!

3. Tackling distance:

Fast greens can be a challenge, but there’s a simple approach to handling them. Tom Watson practiced putts at Augusta National, focusing on hitting a ball with just enough speed to move it an inch. He says it’s all about touch. Even golf’s finest, like Ben Crenshaw, Jack Nicklaus, and Jackie Burke, stressed the importance of distance control. To master it, Watson recommends alternating between long and short putts, especially those 30-footers above and below the hole. This helps you get a feel for how much power is needed to stop the ball near the cup. And the key to consistency? A light, steady grip. Practice this, and you will see how smoothly you avoid such mistakes on the green.

4. Gravity-defying downhill putting:

Interestingly, Bryson DeChambeau has an entirely different approach when it comes to downhill putting. While others are all about keeping it steady and controlled, DeChambeau talks about using gravity to your advantage.

He explains that on a straight uphill putt if you push or pull it just a little bit, it’s always going to fall away from the hole. But when it comes to a perfectly downhill putt, the ball’s natural desire is to fall into the hole. According to the LIV golfer, if you aim it on the right edge for a downhill putt, gravity is going to pull it right toward the cup.

What makes downhill putts so different from uphill ones, according to DeChambeau, is that gravity works in your favor. While uphill putts require you to be super precise—aiming, adjusting for slope, and accounting for breaks—downhill putts are a bit more forgiving. The ball wants to roll in, and if you aim it right, gravity’s doing a lot of the heavy lifting. For DeChambeau, that’s what makes downhill putts almost magical.

Put all these tips together, and you’ll soon find yourself handling downhill putts like a pro in no time. Whether it’s controlling your stroke, lightening your grip, or letting gravity do its thing, each little tweak helps make those fast, tricky downhill putts a lot less intimidating.