Rub of the green refers to good luck or bad luck on the golf course. Rub of the green can be relative as well. For example, this past Sunday when Arjun Atwal chipped to 6 feet and had that putt left to win the Wyndham Championship, Scott McCarron conveniently putted his 1st putt to within a foot of where Atwal's ball was. McCarron was also away, so Arjun was guaranteed a free read for the biggest putt of his PGA Tour career. McCarron, armed with his long putter made the perfect read and drained his insignificant putt. Well played Scotty! Flash to the clubhouse where David Toms was visibly shocked and laughing at the unbelievable "rub of the green" that was rubbing him the wrong way.
Like a pro armed with a free read, Arjun did what he was supposed to do, stepped up to his putt and holed his Titleist for the win. According to David Pelz, touring pros are 50% from 6 feet, but when they have the read, the percentage skyrockets. To read more David Pelz stats, consider buying Dave Pelz's Putting Bible. It is full of ah-hah tidbits.
Congratulations Arjun Atwal, so while your fellow competitor rubbed the green your way, you put yourself in the best position to win all week long, controlling what you could.