[ThinkingPlus]

Why are the great putters great readers?

Sort of a chicken / egg situation. Basically, though, pure strokes in the wrong direction with the wrong speed miss. Great putters are known for not missing much and certainly not when it counts most.

What makes one a great reader of greens? What are the skills?

Attention to detail. Acute awareness of surroundings. Knowledge of agronomy. Look, look, look, at every ball that rolls on the green from any direction. Each will offer clues. Course architecture / construction will dictate paths for drainage for each green (find the drains). Feel the slope with your feet as you walk the green. Good eyes. Lasik hasn't been a big hit on tour just because the guys look better without glasses. Finally, supreme confidence in the read is paramount. There can be no doubt; the best always commit to the line and speed dictated by their read. There are probably many that I have missed that folks will point out.