In many cases we are inclined to blame the wind for affecting our putt when in fact it might just have been an incorrect read, a questionable stroke or even an alignment error – because it could not have been our fault, could it?!! Reading your copy of The Fundamentals of Putting will of course, solve these slip ups.
As a guide, if the wind at the green surface level is about 5-mph (you can see any loose leaves moving on the surface of the green) – this generally means about 10 mph at six foot level above the surface, AND the greens are fast then you may want to consider the affect the wind will have on the trajectory of the putt.
To understand this, a ball on aslow green — i.e. 6-feet on the Stimpmeter — needs to travel faster than the same putt on a fast green — i.e. 9 -10 feet on the Stimpmeter. As a result, the same putt on a slow green will not be affected by the wind as much as one on a fast green.
The surface winds speed are affected by the green surrounds. If there is no interference with the flow of the wind over the green due to the lack of trees, bushes or mounds etc. then the wind speeds above 5 to 10 mph will probably affect the ball trajectory and aiming correction may have to be considered
Unfortunately, only experience and the situation facing you will be your guide. Generally, the stronger the wind and the type of putt will guide you as to the amount of correction needed.
Remember it is not permitted to use any forms of technology or other devices to measure the speed of the wind.
Hope this helps and stops you from blowing your score.
franklygolf 