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There is nothing more irritating than missing a short putt we know we should make. If you’re like me, then you hate adding an extra stroke because we missed one from 5 feet or closer.
Let’s fix this issue now!
For starters, it’s good to know the percentages are in our favor. On putts 2 feet or shorter, both pros and amateurs alike make them 99.9 percent of the time. That’s why they’re called gimmes. The percentages for amateurs drop drastically, however, at the knee-knocking 4- to 5-foot range. From that distance, the average amateur makes a little over 50 percent of the putts. The pros, meanwhile, convert those short putts 77 percent of the time.
I like to tell my students that putting consists of just two things: Line and Speed. That sounds easy enough, but there are things we need to do to ensure success in this simplified approach.
In order to make these little putts, as with all putts, we need to make sure at address our putter face is square to the ball, sitting flush on the ground with the putter head lined up to our chosen target line. Note that our chosen target line may not be directly at the hole, but instead on a track outside the cup based on the slope of the green around the area of the hole.
Once we have the club in position, we want to try to keep the clubface square to the target line straight back and straight though with a low-to-the-ground putter head movement to keep the ball rolling smoothly to the target. (Think like you’re rolling a ball along the ground.)
I often see golfers using their wrists in the putting stroke. That creates an ascending or descending blow on the ball, which directly affects the speed of the putt. Incorrect speed also can be created by a desire to “hit” the ball into the hole rather than making a rhythmic pendulum stroke and letting the ball get caught in the way. If we make the pendulum-type stroke, then it is easier to judge the speed since the length of the pendulum will dictate the speed of the putt.
Wrist hinge in your putting stroke is not your friend. Experiment with different grips to make the hands work together as a unit. A lighter grip pressure also can help you feel the swinging motion of the clubhead.
Find a spot on the practice green that is relatively straight. Set up 5 feet from the hole and practice pushing the ball to the hole without a backswing. Pushing the ball to the hole can help you get the feel for the necessary speed for a short putt.
It produces a sense of forward motion rather than taking a big backswing and decelerating the putter head through the golf ball. If you line up tees to putt through or have an alignment stick to putt along, this will also help with the line.
One of the biggest mistakes I see when amateurs miss short putts is they move their eyes too soon because they want to watch the ball go into the hole. When this occurs, typically the player also moves their head slightly, which leads to off-center strikes. Both line and speed are negatively affected by an off-center strike.
There’s no sweeter sound in golf than hearing the ball rattle into the hole, so let’s focus on that. Practice hitting putts from 5 feet and closer – but don’t look at the hole to see if your ball goes in. Just listen for it instead. You can also try looking at the hole rather than at your ball while you putt, or you can try putting with your eyes closed. See what works best for you.
If you have a friend with you, have them shield your eyes with their hand while you putt. (Think horse blinders.)
Place golf balls at 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-foot distances with a straight-in putt to focus on your line and speed. The goal is to make each putt at each distance consecutively. Anytime you miss, start over with the 2-footer. Continue until all putts are holed.
As you do this drill, you’ll begin to get a feel for the length of the pendulum swing while sensing your target line. You will find that all putts get easier as you gain confidence.
I hope these drills will help with your confidence, get your short putt percentages to closer mirror those of tour professionals and reduce your scores when you play..
Leah Berst is a Class-A PGA Professional and the Director of Instruction for The Golf Institute at Luna Vista Golf Course in Dallas. Leah has been teaching full time since she started The Golf Institute in 1991. During that time, she has given more than 25,000 lessons to golfers of all skill levels. For more information or to schedule a lesson, click here.
