Stimp is a reference for green speed based on how far a ball rolls after release from a Stimpmeter in a standardized procedure. It is not a slope measurement or the instantaneous speed of a putt.
What the Stimp number represents
A Stimpmeter provides a reference for the surface's rolling characteristics. Under the procedure described by the USGA, balls are released in a controlled way and their rolling distances are measured. The result is expressed in feet: under comparable conditions, a higher value means the ball travels farther.
The measurement helps characterize the surface. It does not tell you the slope direction or replace observing the path between ball and hole. A faster green is not necessarily a better green, either.
Three things to keep separate
| Reference | What it describes |
|---|---|
| Stimp | A reference for how the green rolls. |
| Slope | How surface elevation changes. |
| Arrival pace | The intended ball speed when reaching the target. |
Two players may choose different paces on the same surface. A Stimp reading alone does not determine the line each should play.
Why can pace change the predicted line?
A ball slows as it rolls, and contours affect its path. Changing the intended arrival pace also changes the relationship between speed and travel time. A prediction for a gentle arrival can therefore differ from one for a firmer arrival.
There is no universal adjustment in inches or centimeters that works for every distance or green. Surface shape, real conditions and execution all influence the result. The PuttMotion demonstration only illustrates the relationship; its displayed data are fictional.
How Stimp fits into PuttMotion
In the scanner being developed, the player configures an assumed green speed. This setting is a reference for the reading. If you do not know the real reference, treat the configured value as an assumption, not a confirmed measurement.
To explore the concept during practice, keep the ball and target the same, compare two arrival intentions and observe where the ball actually stops. Record what changed before attributing the result solely to the green.
Frequently asked questions
Does Stimp 9 mean my putt is nine feet long?
No. The number refers to the Stimpmeter reference procedure, not the distance of your putt or a recommended stroke strength.
Can I find Stimp just by pointing my phone?
That is not an announced PuttMotion feature. In the scanner, Stimp is an assumed player input, separate from the depth reading.
