Putting Tips & Techniques

Why You Miss Short Putts (And How to Fix It Fast)

By puttmasterPublished 5 min read

Why You Miss Short Putts (And How to Fix It Fast)

Short putts are supposed to be the easy ones—tap-ins, stress-free pars, and birdie conversions. But for many golfers, these knee-knockers turn into frustrating misses that wreck scorecards and confidence. Whether you’re a high handicapper or a scratch golfer, missing short putts is a common problem. Fortunately, there are proven reasons why it happens—and fast ways to fix it.

In this guide, we’ll break down the science, mechanics, and mental factors behind short-putt misses and offer practical tips from putting experts and tour pros to help you sink more putts inside 5 feet.

The Stats: Why Short Putts Matter More Than You Think

Before diving into fixes, let’s understand the scope of the issue.

According to Shot Scope’s 2023 Putting Report, amateur golfers make the following percentage of putts:

  • 3 feet: 90%
  • 4 feet: 75%
  • 5 feet: 65%

And for high handicappers, the make rates are even lower.

On the PGA Tour, the make rate from 3 feet is nearly 99%, and even from 4 feet it hovers around 91% (PGA Tour ShotLink Data). This gap highlights how critical short putts are for amateurs hoping to lower scores.

Missing just one extra 4-footer per round can mean four to five strokes lost over a weekend. It’s not just about skill—it’s about understanding the why.

Why You Miss Short Putts

1. Poor Alignment

Many missed short putts begin before the stroke even starts. Misalignment at setup is one of the most common errors.

  • The fix: Use a chalk line or putting mirror during practice to train your eyes and body to aim square to your target. According to Phil Kenyon, world-renowned putting coach, alignment errors often go unnoticed because golfers trust their feel instead of verifying with tools.

2. Inconsistent Stroke Tempo

Short putts require a smooth and repeatable stroke. But many golfers either decelerate or jab at the ball, creating inconsistencies in speed and face angle.

  • The fix: Focus on making a pendulum-like stroke. Try counting “1-2” during your backstroke and forward stroke to create a rhythm. Training aids like the Blast Motion Sensor or Putting Arc can help.

3. Excessive Hand or Wrist Action

Using the hands too actively in the putting stroke can cause the putter face to close or open through impact, especially on short putts.

  • The fix: Use a grip that stabilizes your hands, such as the claw grip or left-hand-low (for right-handers). Jordan Spieth and other pros favor these grips to quiet the wrists.

4. Fear of Missing / Mental Pressure

The psychological weight of missing a short putt often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The closer the putt, the higher the pressure, especially for par saves or birdies.

  • The fix: Sports psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella suggests treating every putt the same—whether 2 feet or 12 feet. Focus on your process: alignment, breathing, and stroke. Confidence comes from preparation.

5. Eye Position Over the Ball

Where your eyes are positioned can distort your perception of the line. Being too far inside or outside the ball can affect both aim and stroke path.

  • The fix: Make sure your eyes are directly over—or just inside—the ball at address. Use a putting mirror or drop a ball from your eyes to check your position.

6. Misreading Break on Short Putts

Even short putts can break—especially on fast greens. Many golfers underestimate the slope on 3-5 footers and aim too straight.

  • The fix: Trust your read. If you see break, aim accordingly. Dave Pelz found that most golfers under-read break by 25% or more on short putts.

How to Fix Short Putt Problems Fast

Drill 1 – The Gate Drill

Place two tees slightly wider than your putter head just outside the heel and toe. Practice stroking the putter through without touching the tees. This improves path and face control.

  • Do 10 perfect strokes in a row before moving on.

Drill 2 – Circle of Trust

Place 6-8 balls in a 3-foot circle around the hole. Make every putt in a row. This simulates pressure and reinforces consistency.

  • Repeat at 4 and 5 feet as you improve.

Drill 3 – Coin Under the Ball

Place a coin or flat marker under your ball at address. This creates a visual cue for returning the putter to the exact same spot, helping with solid contact.

Drill 4 – One-Handed Putting

Practice hitting short putts with just your lead hand (left for right-handers). This trains a smooth, repeatable stroke and reduces overactive hands.

Pro Tips for Sinking More Short Putts

  • Tiger Woods was known to make 100 three-footers in a row before leaving practice. This built unshakable confidence under pressure.
  • Rickie Fowler uses a line on the ball to aim and align his putter face consistently—especially on short putts.
  • Brad Faxon, one of the best putters in PGA Tour history, says, “Feel beats mechanics.” Practicing touch and visualizing the ball falling in is more powerful than overthinking technique.

The Right Equipment Helps Too

Sometimes your putter is part of the problem.

  • Putter type matters: A face-balanced mallet helps with straight-back, straight-through strokes (ideal for shaky short putts).
  • Face inserts: Putters with soft face inserts like the Odyssey White Hot or TaylorMade Spider help with feel on delicate putts.
  • Grip style: Oversized grips reduce wrist action and are preferred by many golfers struggling on short putts.

Make sure your putter is fit for your stroke type, length, and alignment tendencies. A putter fitting session can pay off more than a new driver.

Final Thoughts – Turn Short Putts Into Strengths

Missing short putts is frustrating—but fixable. Whether your issues are mechanical, mental, or equipment-based, the keys are awareness and repetition. Most golfers don’t spend enough time practicing putts inside 5 feet, yet these are the strokes that save rounds.

Start small. Build confidence with drills. Adopt a routine. Trust your stroke. And when it’s time to putt for par, you’ll no longer flinch.

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