Fix Your Short Putts to Avoid Costly Misses

Hello, Daily Duffer readers! Sarah Chen here, your golf instruction editor. I’ve spent over 15 years on the range and course, working with golfers of all levels, from tour pros to dedicated weekend warriors. One thing I consistently see, no matter the skill level, is the impact of putting, especially those shorter putts. They can truly make or break a round, or even a competitive match, as we just saw with Tiger Woods’ recent return to TGL action.

Tiger’s comeback was highly anticipated, and while he showed flashes of brilliance with his full swing—including a massive 318-yard stinger—it was a putt that ultimately shifted momentum in the match.

“While Woods put up a couple of highlights with the few swings he hit in his return, it was his worst moment — a short missed putt to lose a crucial hole — that may have turned the match.”

That moment—the short putt that just lipped out—is something we’ve all experienced. The frustration, the questioning of our stroke, the feeling that maybe, just maybe, that one shot could have changed everything. It’s a common challenge, but it’s also an area where anyone can see significant improvement with focused practice.

Mastering the Short Putt: Confidence from 5 Feet In

Those crucial putts from five feet and in are often called “knee-knockers” for a reason. There’s pressure, a feeling of “I should make this,” and sometimes, that self-talk can get in the way. But making these putts consistently isn’t about luck; it’s about a solid setup, a repeatable stroke, and developing unwavering confidence.

In my teaching experience, many golfers struggle with short putts not because of poor mechanics, but due to a subtle breakdown under pressure. The body tenses, the eyes move, and the stroke loses its fluidity. Let’s break down how to conquer these vital putts.

1. The Setup: Your Foundation for Success

Before you even take the putter back, a consistent setup is paramount. Here’s what to focus on:

• Eyes over the ball: This ensures you’re looking directly down your intended line. A simple check is to drop a ball from your dominant eye straight down and see if it lands on your ball or just inside.
• Square shoulders and hips: Your body alignment dictates your putter path. Practice aiming your body parallel to your target line, not pointing at the hole.
• Relaxed grip: Hold the putter firmly enough to control it, but not so tight that your forearms are tense. A grip that’s too tight restricts the natural pendulum motion of your stroke.

2. The Stroke: A Pendulum, Not a Wrist Flick

The best putters use their shoulders to create a smooth, rhythmic pendulum motion. The wrists should stay quiet throughout the stroke.

• Backstroke and follow-through: For short putts, think of an even backstroke and follow-through. If you take the putter back a short distance, follow through the same short distance. This creates a square clubface at impact.
• Accelerate through impact: Don’t try to “steer” the ball. Instead, focus on a smooth, accelerating motion through the ball. Deceleration is a common culprit for missed short putts.

Tiger himself, reflecting on his missed putt, acknowledged the impact of such moments:

“We got our ass kicked at the end… We didn’t respond, and I missed a short one at the beginning to kind of get it started, give them momentum, and never got it back.”

His honest reflection highlights how even for the best in the world, a missed short putt can derail momentum. The good news is, a reliable short putting stroke is fully within your control!

Actionable Drills to Sharpen Your Short Game

Here are a couple of drills you can do on any practice green to build confidence and consistency for those crucial putts:

Try this: The Gate Drill

What it does: This drill helps you ensure a square clubface at impact and a straight putter path.

How to do it:

1. Place two tees on either side of your putter head, just wide enough so your putter can swing freely without touching them.
2. Place a third tee about 6-8 inches in front of the ball, directly on your intended line to the hole. This acts as a guide for your follow-through.
3. Place a ball in the middle of your “gate.”
4. Practice putting from 3-5 feet. The goal is to make the putt without hitting any of the tees. The “gate” for your putter helps keep your path consistent, while the forward tee helps you extend your putter head down your line.

Why it works: If you hit the side tees, your putter path is off. If you hit the forward tee, you’re either decelerating or your follow-through is veering off line. Focus on keeping your putter head low and “through” the forward tee.

Here’s a drill: The Ladder Drill (or the “No Three-Putts” Drill)

What it does: Builds confidence and consistency for short putts under increasing pressure.

How to do it:

1. Start with three balls 1 foot from the hole. Make all three consecutively.
2. Move back to 2 feet. Make all three consecutively.
3. Continue moving back, one foot at a time, making all three putts at each station (e.g., 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet).
4. If you miss a putt at any distance, you must go back to the beginning (1 foot) and start over.

Why it works: This drill creates a bit of pressure, similar to what you might feel on the course. It trains you to focus on each putt independently and to maintain your stroke even when the stakes (of starting over!) are higher. You’ll quickly find yourself repeating those 3-4 footers until they feel automatic.

Even Tiger knows the value of practice and focus on these short ones:

“He probably would have made that two-footer that I missed,” Woods joked.

While said in jest about his teammate, it underlines the point: these are the putts professionals expect to make, and so should you.

The Mental Game: Trust Your Stroke

Once you’ve put in the mechanical work, the mental game takes over. For short putts, it’s all about trust. Trust your setup, trust your stroke, and commit to the line. Don’t look up to see if the ball is going in; keep your head still and listen for the satisfying sound of the ball dropping into the cup.

Remember, every golfer, from beginner to major champion, faces challenges. But every challenge is an opportunity to improve. By dedicating time to these fundamental short putting drills, you’ll not only shave strokes off your score but also build an incredible amount of confidence on the greens. Go out there and start rolling them in!