Judging pace is critical if you are to avoid three putting on steeply sloping green. But a fine judgement of speed must be linked with good reading of the line. The pace determines the line. You must first gauge the weight of the putt, then concentrate on the line and balance the two considerations.

Differing Approaches

Aim to hole your first putt only when it's close to the pin. From long range think of two putting, as three putts are always a danger and holing out must be seen as a bonus.

Straight uphill: This is easily the simplest putt on a steeply sloping green. You can afford to hit the ball firmly and it still should drop because of the angle of the hole. But be wary of over-hitting the ball on a long putt. You could leave yourself a very awkward downhill put if you're not careful.

From short range, make a smooth stroke and hit the ball firmly at the back of the hole.

Straight downhill: The pace is all important. Any putt going at even slightly more than perfect speed has little chance of dropping.

To help you judge the pace from long range, pick a point - perhaps an old hole or small mark on the green - between you and the hole. Choose a spot just a few inches away on a very steep green. Then play a normal putt to your spot - the slope carries the ball the rest of the way.

Always make sure you hit the ball with enough pace to send it past the hole should you miss. A putt from six fee straight back up the hill is far better than a three foot downhiller.

From a short range concentrate on the line. Take time to set the blade exactly square to the target line because a downhill putt that catches the lip spins out unless going very slowly. Never leave a putt short from close range - it's a waste of a stroke.

Long putt across the slope: The ideal putt across a steep green is for the ball to topple in from the top side. For this you judge the weight of the shot so the ball comes almost to a standstill above but nearly level with the hole. The ball then rolls down the slope and comes in from almost 90 degrees.

But be realistic - aim to two putt on most occasions. Your main thought should be to lag the ball regard holing out first time as a bonus.

Pace and line are vital. If you under or over-hit the ball - even if you've chosen a good line - you're left with the same awkward type of putt but from a slightly shorter distance. Hit the ball too low and it gathers speed down the slope and runs well by. Hit too hight and the ball stays up on the top side and you're left with a tricky downhill breaking putt.

Short putt across the slope: Aim at a point level with the hole. Again almost stop the ball on the top side so that it rolls slowly down towards the hole

Always allow more break than you think - it's better to be on the topside (known as he pro side) because the ball has a chance of dropping in as it trickles slowly down the hill. Once the ball falls below the line of the hole it can't break back up the hill.

Die the ball into the hole rather than playing an aggressive stroke. This eliminates any risk of the putt lipping out and running away down the slope.

Combination putt: When you're faced with a putt across the slope, but also either up or down the green, there is on vital point to bear in mind. The slower the ball is travelling, the more it breaks.

A downhill putt across a slope needs to be given a much wider berth than an uphill putt with the same amount of break.

A downhiller has to be played with caution - unless it's definitely holeable, be content to two putt. An uphill putt can be hit firmly on a narrow line - the ball breaks near the hole, and you can afford to be aggressive.

View More Golf Tips