Even the best players in the world don’t make every short putt, but they do make a much higher percentage than the recreational golfer.
While much of their success can be attributed to solid technique, top golfers also spend a significant amount of time practicing these putts. When was the last time you truly focused on your setup, aim and stroke while hitting short putts? Even 15 minutes of focused practice here and there can make a real difference in your success rate.
Here are the most common reasons I see golfers miss short putts.
1. “Peeking” or excessive movement
It can be a challenge to stay as still as needed when putting — especially on short putts. Looking up too early or making unnecessary body movements can affect both the putter face and stroke path.
Your head and lower body should remain still throughout the stroke. Ideally, you complete your stroke, hold your finish, and only then turn your head to look at the result. In many cases, the ball will already be in the hole before you look up.
This is something you can practice with putting training aids. Learning to trust your aim and stroke, with proper feedback, can help you avoid the instinct to look too early.
2. Assuming the putt is straight
Many missed short putts come from simply assuming the putt is straight. In reality, most putts (even short ones) have some degree of break.
Take the time to read the green carefully. Even a subtle adjustment in aim, accounting for a slight curve, can be the difference between a miss and a make.
3. Poor ball position
Incorrect ball position, either too far forward or too far back, can lead to stroke path issues.
A ball positioned too far forward often opens the shoulders, creating an out-to-in path that can cause pulls or cuts. This not only affects direction but also makes distance control more difficult on longer putts. A ball too far back tends to promote an in-to-out path, leading to pushed putts.
Make sure when you practice putting that you are taking time to work on your fundamentals. They can be the difference between a make and a miss.
4. Setting your body before the putter face
Your setup routine is critical in all areas of the game, but especially in putting, where face alignment is crucial.
The best golfers typically aim the putter face first, then set their body in relation to it. Golfers who set their body first often struggle to aim the face accurately.
5. Extreme grip pressure changes
Consistent grip pressure helps maintain a smooth, repeatable stroke. A putting stroke should feel balanced in both length and rhythm. Sudden changes in grip pressure can make the putter face unstable or create unwanted acceleration, leading to poor direction and distance control.
You can choose the grip pressure that feels best for you. Some golfers prefer a lighter grip, while others are more firm. Either approach can work, but consistency is key.
