Quick Poll: Can You Pass Brad Faxon's Putting IQ Test?

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By Mike D., Titleist Staff

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  • 42 Replies
  1. Mike D., Titleist Staff

    Mike D., Titleist Staff
    Ashland, MA

    Team Titleist Staff

    When you have the chance to spend a day with Titleist Brand Ambassador Brad Faxon and pick his brain, there is no doubt that you'll walk away with more than your fair share of short game insights and putting wisdom.

    We were fortunate enough to do just that recently and Brad was beyond generous (as always) with his time and wisdom. And one of the questions he posed to us during the day was too good to not share with you all...  so get ready for the first question of your Putting Focused SAT exam...

    Question: There are two 10-foot putts on the green. One is a straight 10-footer that is an uphill putt and the other is a straight 10-footer that is a downhill putt. If the putts are struck at exactly the same time with the perfect line and speed to go into the hole, which putt will reach the cup first?

    Submit your answer in the quick poll below, drop a comment to share your thoughts about why you think your answer is correct, and we'll share the correct answer from Brad in the coming days...

    Update: April 9, 2024

    Now that a few days have passed since the original posting, we wanted to share the answer below. Remember... don't hit play until after you submitted your answer to the question above!

  2. Jason R

    Jason R
    Ottawa, ON

    Interesting question! My internal geek has convinced me they will drop at the same time but I am really keen on hearing from the experts.
  3. AWeis

    AWeis

    Which putt must be struck harder (and therefore have a higher starting speed?). Because distance is constant, speed will correlate inversely with time.
  4. RPaine

    RPaine

    It only stands to reason that both putts will drop at the same time when struck at the perfect speed for that particular putt.
  5. Chris92009

    Chris92009
    Ohio

    I recall him talking about this at Streamsong.....problem is I cant remember his answer! I think it is a trick question though...

    Cheers
  6. SBoyle

    SBoyle

    If both balls hit at same pace. And they both can reach the hole, the uphill putt defo dropping. The down hill will be too pacey and probably lip out.
    That’s my thoughts. ️ x
  7. RRobson

    RRobson

    Great question to ponder.
  8. JYoung

    JYoung
    Ohio

    I think this is a trick question. I voted same time because of that. Haha. Uphill should start out faster (more force to get up hill) but slow more before the hole. Down hill would start slower but maintain more speed. So same time if you are a good putter. A hack like me would not be the same time.
  9. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    Not that I have any brilliant knowledge, but the downhill will start slower or fly by the hole. The uphill will need greater speed to reach the hole.
    The trick is the uphill will lose speed while the downhill will gain or maintain the same speed.
    All this makes my head hurt, akin to when to leave the pin or take it out, or trying to count cards at blackjack with a 6 deck shoe.
  10. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Like Chris, I enjoyed the clinic he did for us at Streamsong. Since then I have tried to remember to putt with soft hands and arms and have improved my putting quite a bit. Brad has been a long-time Titleist guy and its so neat to see he continues to give back to Team Titleist. Thanks!
  11. Jim S

    Jim S
    East Point, GA

    If you are putting with a Scotty and using a Titleist ball they will go in at the same time.
  12. Joshua B

    Joshua B
    Connecticut

    Uphill is hit firmer while downhill would trickle…in my mind at least the uphill is going in 1st.
  13. Cris M

    Cris M
    Tyrone, GA

    It is the uphill putt. The downhill putt is faster but you hit it more softly. The uphill is hit harder to overcome gravity
  14. Kevin H

    Kevin H
    Luton, 0

    I say it will be the down hill put as it would gather speed and the up hill put would lose speed.
  15. Dr. Kovatchian

    Dr. Kovatchian
    Carlsbad

    Gotta be the uphill putt!
    Should have more pace as it reaches the cup?

    Cheers,
    Dr. K
  16. RGibbs

    RGibbs

    What is the answer?
  17. JPGetgey

    JPGetgey
    Cincinnati

    both are 10ft but their is more break in the downhill putt and therefore the uphill putt goes in first.
  18. DK

    DK
    Northeastern, PA

    I'd probably miss them both so the world may never know
  19. Ben A

    Ben A
    Los Gatos, CA

    You've got to hit the uphill putt harder to get there, it has to go fast uphill or it will stop short.

    Who hits a downhill putt firm?
  20. RBowers

    RBowers
    Milwaukie

    Neither both putts will be short…
  21. l

    l

    The uphill putt, if struck correctly, should go in first as it will have more tempo. The downhill putt will be slower so it will not go too far past the cup if it is missed.
  22. William H

    William H
    Bloomington, IL

    The uphill because you hit it harder to get to the hole.
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