Most three-putts start long
Few three-putts come from missing a 3-footer twice. Most start with a first putt from 25 feet or more that stops well short or runs well past. From there the second putt is a 6- or 8-footer, and those miss often. Fix the speed of the first putt and the three-putts take care of themselves.
Speed first, line second
- Pick a target zone, not the hole. On long putts, picture a 3-foot circle around the cup and try to stop the ball inside it.
- Read the slope for speed. Whether the putt is uphill or downhill matters more than how much it breaks. Walk the side of the putt and feel the slope through your feet.
- Make the stroke longer, not harder. Control distance with the length of the backswing, with the same smooth rhythm every time.
- Look at the hole on practice strokes. Your eyes judge distance; let them while you rehearse.
Three drills that work
1. The ladder
Put down tees at 20, 30 and 40 feet. Putt one ball to each, then try to stop each ball past the one before and short of the fringe. Ten minutes before a round is enough to set your speed for the day.
2. The 3-foot circle
Make a circle of tees a putter length (about 3 feet) around a hole. From 30 to 40 feet, putt ten balls and count how many stop inside. Write down the number and try to beat it next time.
3. The clock
Put eight balls around a hole at 3 feet, like the numbers on a clock. Make all eight in a row, and start again if you miss. This is the putt you'll have after a good lag, so make it automatic.
On the course
- From the fringe with nothing in the way, putt. A bad putt usually ends closer than a bad chip.
- On a downhill putt, pick a spot short of the hole to roll it to and let the slope do the rest.
- Mark and finish short putts rather than rushing them one-handed.
A good goal for most golfers is one three-putt or none a round. Getting there is often worth two or three strokes, which can be the difference in breaking 90.
Updated November 13, 2026 by the Greens team.