How to Set Up and Use the Handy Golf Putting Level

The Handy Golf Putting Level helps you read the slope of a putting green and turn that information into a clear aim point using Green Read IQ. Before you use it on the green, take a moment to calibrate your phone so the readings are as accurate as possible.

1. Calibrate the Putting Level

When you open the Putting Level for the first time, the app will ask you to calibrate it on a flat surface.

To calibrate:

1. Place your phone on a flat, level surface.
2. Follow the on-screen calibration prompt.
3. Rotate the phone 180 degrees when instructed.
4. Complete the calibration.

If you skipped calibration or need to do it again:

1. Tap the small lines/menu icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select Calibrate.
3. Place the phone on a flat surface and follow the prompts.
4. Rotate the phone 180 degrees when asked.

You should only need to recalibrate if you change phones or significantly change your phone case.

2. Understand the Key Terms

Before using the Putting Level, it helps to understand the main numbers shown in the app.

Slope Percentage

Slope percentage tells you how much the green is tilted.

• 0% slope means the surface is flat.
• Around 1% to 2% is a noticeable slope.
• Around 3% is a strong slope.
• Above 3% is uncommon on most golf course greens.

The app will also describe the break in simple terms, such as slight, moderate, or severe.

Green Speed / Stimp

Green speed is measured in Stimp. The higher the Stimp number, the faster the greens.

General examples:

• 7 to 8 Stimp: slower greens
• 9 Stimp: common for a good public course in the U.S.
• 10 to 11 Stimp: common for a good private or country club course
• 12 to 13 Stimp: very fast, tournament-style greens

Green speed affects how much a putt breaks, so setting the correct Stimp number helps Green Read IQ give a better aim point.

3. Set the Green Speed and Putt Distance

Once your device is calibrated:

1. Open the HandyGolf Putting Level.
2. Select the green speed. For example, if the greens are running at 8 on the Stimp, choose 8.
3. Measure or estimate the length of your putt.
4. Enter the putt distance. For example, choose 6 feet for a six-foot putt.

4. Position the Phone on the Green

To take a reading:

1. Stand behind the hole and look back toward the ball.
2. Place your phone about halfway between the ball and the hole.
3. Make sure the small flag icon in the app points directly at the hole.
4. Tap the lock button in the top-right corner if you want to freeze the reading on screen.

Correct phone alignment is important. The flag icon should be aimed at the hole so the app can identify whether the putt breaks right-to-left or left-to-right.

5. Read the Green Read IQ Result

After you lock in the reading, the app will show useful putting information, including:

• The side slope percentage
• The direction of break
• Whether the putt is uphill or downhill
• The recommended aim point from the center of the hole
• The adjusted feel distance of the putt

For example, the app might show:

• 2.4% right-to-left slope
• Moderate right-to-left break
• Slight to moderate downhill
• Aim 8 inches right of center
• Feels like a 6-foot putt

In that example, you would aim about 8 inches to the right of the center of the hole. The aim point is calculated for a pace that would roll the ball approximately 18 inches past the hole if it missed.

6. Hit the Putt

Once you have your aim point:

1. Line up the putt based on the Green Read IQ recommendation.
2. Adjust your speed for uphill or downhill slope.
3. Make your normal stroke.

If the putt is downhill, it will play faster, so you may not need to hit it as hard. If it is uphill, you may need a firmer stroke.

Quick Recap

To use the HandyGolf Putting Level:

1. Calibrate your phone on a flat surface.
2. Set the green speed in Stimp.
3. Enter the putt distance.
4. Place the phone halfway between the ball and the hole.
5. Aim the flag icon at the hole.
6. Lock the screen and read the result.
7. Aim using the Green Read IQ recommendation.
8. Roll the putt with the correct pace.

The HandyGolf Putting Level is a simple way to learn how slope, green speed, and distance affect break. Use it during practice to improve your green reading and build confidence over more putts.

Note: Always check the Rules of Golf and local competition rules before using any device or app during a competitive round.