What is a lip in golf?

Definition

The circular edge or rim of the hole on putting greens, crucial for putts that need to catch the edge to drop in or that hit the rim and bounce out. The lip condition significantly affects putting, with well-maintained lips providing clean edges that help hold putts, while damaged lips can cause unexpected bounces. Understanding lip angles and conditions helps golfers read putts more accurately and adjust their speed control. Course maintenance crews carefully manage lip conditions through proper hole cutting techniques and regular maintenance to ensure fair putting conditions for all golfers.