Why do we use the phrase ‘borrow’ when talking about the line of our putts?

More about ‘borrow’ when talking about the line of our putts

• The earliest reference we could track down was a reference in an 1858 article: ‘…. carefully surveyed the lie of the ground, that he may borrow, if it be sloping’
  • From The historical dictionary of golfing terms: from 1500 to present.
• The sport of Curling has a similar use for the word both, it is believed, to have Scottish origins.
• In an 1890 article there was reference to needing to either borrow or put a spin on the ball.  Spinning a putt is a unique concept for us nowadays!
• The words ‘break’ and ‘borrow’ are both used and a largely interchangeable but we do sometimes use them in different ways. We’re more likely to say (i) there is a lot of borrow (noun) and (ii) a putt will break to the right (verb).

Understanding Borrow

1. Break of the Green: Greens are rarely flat; they have slopes and undulations that cause the ball to curve or "break" as it rolls towards the hole. The direction and severity of this break are influenced by the terrain's contour.

2. Reading the Green: To determine how much to borrow, golfers need to read the green. This involves analyzing the slope from multiple angles, including behind the ball, behind the hole, and from the sides.

3. Visualizing the Line: After reading the green, golfers visualize an imaginary line that the ball will follow, considering the break. The starting point of this line (the aiming point) is often away from the hole, depending on the slope's severity and direction.

4. Speed of the Putt: The amount of borrow also depends on the speed of the putt. A slower putt will break more because the ball spends more time affected by the slope, whereas a faster putt will break less.

Tips for Effective Borrowing

1. Read the Green Carefully: Spend time examining the green from different angles. Look for subtle slopes that might not be apparent from just one viewpoint.

2. Practice: Spend time on the practice green to get a feel for how different slopes affect the ball's path. Experience helps in making more accurate reads on the course.

3. Trust Your Read: Once you've determined the amount of borrow, trust your read and aim accordingly. Second-guessing can lead to missed putts.

4. Adjust for Green Speed: Be aware of the green speed on the course you're playing. Faster greens require less borrow, while slower greens require more.

5. Use Your Feet: As you walk on the green, feel the slope with your feet. This tactile feedback can complement your visual read.

Practical Example

Imagine you're facing a 10-foot putt with a left-to-right slope. After reading the green, you determine that the putt will break about six inches to the right. You aim six inches left of the hole to account for the break. If you hit the putt with the right speed, the ball will start left and then curve towards the hole, ideally dropping in the center.

Understanding and effectively using borrow in putting can significantly improve your performance on the greens, helping you sink more putts and lower your scores.