As I was scrolling through Instagram late last night, I came across some Bryson DeChambeau content that really hit home — a tip to help regular ol’ golfers like myself who just can’t kick frustrating 3-putts.
Now, outside of feeling personally attacked (I kid… kind of), I watched the two-time major champ’s video a handful of times to really digest how easy it should be to dial in your putting. Of course, nothing in golf comes easy, but hey, simplifying the game as much as possible can go a long way in improving.
While there are tons of different ways to try and feel comfortable and confident holding the flat stick, DeChambeau says developing a feel will help most. So in the video below, he walks through an easy trick to do so effectively.
Bryson DeChambeau says a ruler can help dial in your putting distance control
“If you’re 3-putting, the best thing you can do is practice your speed control,” DeChambeau says. “What works for me is using a ruler [on the ground] and marking 10-foot, 20-foot, 30-foot, and establishing how hard you need to hit your putts to [go the required distance].”
Could putting really be this simple? DeChambeau demonstrates how having an ingrained backstroke length can lead to the results you’re looking for.
“I can practice [putting from different distances] all day long, and all I’m doing is referencing my trail foot — showing me exactly where I need to take that putter head back,” he explains. “Over the course of time, that work and that practice you put in will ingrain into a feel.”
DeChambeau then looks up at the camera and starts hitting no-look putts, simply matching the putter head with where his trail foot is to determine the speed and distance.
“For me, that’s what gets me to control my speed the best, and allows me to perform at the highest level,” he adds.
So if you’re a player who just can’t seem to quit 3-putting — a golfer who I totally identify with — go ahead and try DeChambeau’s tip the next time you’re practicing. With some commitment and repetition, you can start shaving strokes off your scorecard in no time.
