Times have changed and I think for the better when it comes to finding the slope on greens using digital green reading devices.
My interest in these devices peaked after joining golf club I belong to which has championship style bent grass greens with considerable slope.
The truth is, I needed to improve my game and eliminate 3 putts. Every hole at my home course could be 3 putted easily depending on the pin location.
I wanted to change the way I think on the green.
You can go to the course on a slow day and walk around each green and write down where the breaks are and where there are clear ridges in the green.
Instead of saying to yourself “Ok…this one breaks left to right” you will be thinking “Ok…this one breaks left to right 1 degree and I need to play it 4-6 inches outside right.”
(See the putting resources page for break charts)
I started looking into green mapping as a personal project. There weren’t any maps to purchase so I made green maps. That’s when I discovered the 3 types of digital green reading options described below.
Note: After measuring the slope on the greens at my local course, I can see slope in degrees without the device. That is a great goal to achieve and you can take that to other courses. They are nice to have when visiting other courses. I do use them prior to a round on the practice green just to get dialed in.
BreakMaster App
★★★★
First, I downloaded an app called “BreakMaster” which is available at online apps stores.
The app needs to be calibrated on a flat surface before use.
It can show you degrees of or percentage of slope.
I like this app, but I don’t like carrying my phone around in my pocket and put it in my bag when I’m playing. Also, you are constantly laying your phone on the green which could be damp or have debris on it.
It is accurate when calibrated.
BreakMaster by Exelys
★★★★★
The second option I picked up was the real “BreakMaster” digital green reading device.
I waited a long time to buy this after using a free app to make my green maps, I had to ponder the cost of this purchase versus the amount I would be using the device.
As it turns out, I use it because it’s handy to take up to the green and measures slope in one or two directions if appropriate.
It comes calibrated with a soft case you could wear on your belt. Pro caddies can use this before rounds to make green maps.
This only measures in degrees of slope.
Click here for our article on the newer version BreakMaster+
DIY -JEK digtal level
★★★
Then, I came across what quite a few pros use and that is reading slope in percentages.
You see them holding fingers up to measure the break. I won’t go into that system, but a lot of pros carry a digital level.
The level I purchased measures in degrees or percent of slope. It comes calibrated and has a soft case.
Even though I bought the small size, it is a bit much to take with you on the course. It’s good for practicing on the putting green.
Readings may vary slightly from the other two options when placed right next to each other. However, we are talking tenths of a degree or less difference for all three options.
This was an off brand. There are many choices online.
Tour Read App (New 4th Option)
★★★★
The “Tour Read” app is the real deal when it comes to digital green reading. I don’t say that lightly. I have devices that measure slope, but this “app” gives you the actual break and pace for putts.
Would I recommend it? Yes. (Read our review)
Why am I confident in saying it’s the real deal?
I have two putting mats set up right now and know the stimp reading or green speed on both. I know the break without any doubt and I measured both with my iPad. This app gave me the correct read. It was right on the money.
In fact, I put a ruler down adjacent to the hole and putted right at the suggested aim line and made the putt on the first try from 6 feet.
Pros are using this on tour. It will be very helpful for golfers at any level.
For me it expedites the setup of putting drills. Use it in practice rounds to help you verify your reads. You can use it as a stimp meter also.
The one downside is there is a monthly fee.
Slopegraide and Roll Maps
★★★★★
Original Review (see note below on upgrade from 2023)
Slopegraide and Roll Maps can be your personal putting trainer. I see these products as the future of putting and green reading practice. Take your game to the next level.
Let’s take a look at their green reading app, green reading ball marker and roll maps.
I bought this during the winter time and the products are hard to use indoors. Yesterday, I took them to the course and they made a real difference in helping with my green reading.
Note: There has been a great upgrade since this article was posted. Click here for our article on the upgrade.
The image below is from the Course Mode upgrade.
