This putting hack focuses on improving green reading by introducing the concept of a "gutter" to quantify putt reads. The gutter represents the area where a ball should end up if the read is correct. A correct read will leave the ball within this defined zone, while misses below or outside indicate read, speed, or start line issues. The hack emphasizes that while most players and coaches focus on start lines, a good read is crucial for consistent performance. By tracking misses and understanding whether the issue is the read, speed, or start line, players can make informed adjustments to improve their putting over time.

In this episode of Golf High IQ, Brian Bailie tackles the question, "Why do I suck at short putts?" by breaking down the key components of successful putting: read, speed, and start line. He explains that many golfers mistakenly focus heavily on start line drills when, in fact, read and speed are more critical for short putts (3-6 feet). Through a stool analogy, Brian highlights the importance of balancing all three components, noting that even with a face error of up to two degrees, good read and speed can still result in made putts. He sets performance goals based on skill levels, from newbies to enthusiasts, and assigns a homework task for listeners to assess their make percentages from 3-6 feet, with specific benchmarks for each golfer level. This foundational understanding will be built upon in future episodes to help improve putting performance.