The word "putting surface" refers to the area of a golf course where players aim to putt the ball into the hole. The spelling of this term is straightforward with the "put" and "ting" syllables regularly pronounced. However, the final syllable "ing" contains a voiced velar nasal sound represented by the IPA symbol [ŋ]. This sound results from the airflow being restricted in the nasal cavity while the back of the tongue blocks the airflow at the velum.
Putting surface, also known as a green, refers to the area of a golf course specifically designed for putting. It is a flat, manicured area that is typically covered with fine grass, often referred to as a putting green. The putting surface serves as the final destination for golfers during their journey towards completing a hole.
Measuring anywhere between 3,000 to over 10,000 square feet, putting surfaces are usually circular or oval-shaped, although they can also have irregular contours to add complexity to the game. The quality and condition of the putting surface is of utmost importance, and golf course superintendent teams strive to maintain it meticulously so that it has a consistent roll and speed. This requires regular mowing, fertilization, watering, and aerification to keep the grass healthy and resilient.
Golfers aim to place their golf balls on the putting surface in as few strokes as possible, using a putter – a specialized golf club with a flat face designed for rolling the ball along the ground. The smoothness and speed of the putting surface can greatly influence a player's ability to accurately judge the required force to complete a putt successfully. Contoured putting surfaces may include subtle slopes, undulations, and breaks, which pose challenges for golfers trying to sink their putts.
Overall, the putting surface is a key element of any golf course, demanding both strategy and skill from players. With its smooth, well-manicured grass and unique challenges, the putting surface serves as the ultimate test of a golfer's proficiency in this crucial aspect of the game.
The term "putting surface" in the context of golf originated from the verb "putt" which means to hit a golf ball lightly along the ground towards the hole. The word "putt" traces back to the Scottish language, most likely derived from the Middle English word "putten" meaning "to push" or "to thrust". "Putting surface" refers specifically to the area on a golf course, typically the green, where golfers attempt to putt the ball into the hole. The term likely developed organically within the golfing community as a way to differentiate the area designated for putting from the rest of the course.