I start to read a putt long before I even get to the green. As I walk up to the green I am looking for the high spots, ridge lines, and the low spots where water would run off the green. I also pay attention to the general topography of the entire golf course. Sometimes hills, mountains, lakes, rivers, etc. can really affect how every green on the course may actually break vs. how it looks. Play the course architecture and the topography of the land next time you are out there. Don't just stand over a putt and try to read it from that point only.
