What Is Stimp in Golf? Understanding Green Speed
Stimp is a measurement of how fast a putting green is. In simple terms, it tells you how far a golf ball will roll on a green when released from a standard device called a Stimpmeter.
The higher the stimp number, the faster the green. The lower the stimp number, the slower the green.
Why Stimp Matters
Knowing the stimp of the greens helps you judge pace and break more accurately. Faster greens require less force and usually show more break. Slower greens require a firmer stroke and may not break as much.
Stimp is especially useful when using the HandyGolf Putting Level. The app includes a stimp setting that helps Green Read IQ calculate the specific spot where you should aim. Selecting a realistic stimp number improves the accuracy of your green reads.
Typical Stimp Readings
Most golf course greens fall somewhere between 7 and 13 on the stimp scale, depending on course type, weather, maintenance, and tournament conditions.
Here are some general guidelines:
| Course or Condition | Typical Stimp Reading |
|---|---|
| Good public course in the U.S. | Around 9 |
| Good private course in the U.S. | 10 to 11 |
| Public course in the U.K. | Around 8 |
| Private course in the U.K. | 9 to 10 |
| Tour-level fast greens | 12 to 13 |
| British Open-style conditions | Around 10 |
These numbers are only estimates, but they give you a useful starting point if you do not have an exact reading.
How to Find the Stimp of the Greens
Not every golfer has access to a Stimpmeter, but there are a few easy ways to get a good estimate:
- Check the course information board. Some clubs post the daily green speed near the pro shop or first tee.
- Ask the golf professional or starter. They may know the current stimp or be able to give you a close estimate.
- Use the course type as a guide. Public courses are often slightly slower than private or tournament-prepared courses.
- Use the HandyGolf app guidance. In the HandyGolf Putting Level, tap the information button to see general course-condition guidance and suggested stimp ranges.
Quick Rule of Thumb
If you are unsure, start with these estimates:
- U.S. public course: 9
- U.S. private course: 10 or 11
- U.K. public course: 8
- U.K. private course: 9 or 10
- Very fast tournament greens: 12 or 13
Final Thought
Stimp is simply a number that describes green speed, but it can make a big difference in your putting. By choosing the right stimp setting in HandyGolf, you give Green Read IQ better information, helping you aim more accurately and roll better putts.
