Spike Marks on Greens: Do They Really Affect Putting?
01/31/2026 by Matthias Gräf
Spike marks on the green have long been a topic of debate among golfers, with many wondering if these small indentations left by golf shoes can influence the outcome of putts. Recent discussions and observations suggest that spike marks might not have as much impact on putting as traditionally believed. This insight could change how …
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Spike marks on the green have long been a topic of debate among golfers, with many wondering if these small indentations left by golf shoes can influence the outcome of putts. Recent discussions and observations suggest that spike marks might not have as much impact on putting as traditionally believed. This insight could change how players approach green reading and maintenance during tournaments.
Golfers often worry about imperfections on the putting surface, including spike marks, which are caused by the cleats on golf shoes digging into the turf. These marks can create subtle irregularities on the green, potentially affecting the ball’s roll. However, the video shared by NUCLR GOLF highlights that spike marks don’t significantly affect putts, challenging a common assumption in golf circles.
Understanding the Impact of Spike Marks on Putting
Spike marks are generally small and shallow, and while they can be visually noticeable, their physical effect on a rolling golf ball is minimal. The ball’s momentum and the smoothness of the surrounding green surface usually compensate for these minor disruptions. This means that players might not need to be overly concerned about spike marks when reading putts, focusing instead on slope, grain, and speed.
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Implications for Golfers and Course Maintenance
For players, this insight can reduce anxiety about walking on greens or stepping near the hole during a round. It also emphasizes the importance of repairing ball marks, which have a far greater impact on putting surfaces than spike marks. From a course maintenance perspective, groundskeepers can prioritize repairing ball marks and other larger imperfections to ensure optimal putting conditions.
Spike Marks in the Context of Professional Golf
At the highest level, such as on the DP World Tour or the PGA Tour, greens are meticulously maintained to minimize any irregularities. While spike marks do occur during play, their negligible effect on putts means that professional players can focus more on their technique and strategy rather than worrying about minor surface imperfections.
Overall, the discussion around spike marks serves as a reminder that not all green imperfections carry the same weight in affecting play. Understanding this can help golfers at all levels approach putting with greater confidence and clarity.
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