How can you miss a 3-foot putt again, according to the top teacher

When you’re standing on a 3-foot putt – especially with something on the line – it’s amazing how quickly tension can creep in. Suddenly, what should have been a “gimme” feels anything but guaranteed, and you can’t shake the idea that the putt is more likely to be missed than made.

Fortunately, GOLF Top 100 instructor David Armitage says it’s easy to take the pressure off these putts. You just need to remember to dial in your setup and remember a simple phrase – if it’s long, it’s not good.

“My opinion here is you covered this putt before you covered it,” Armitage said. “It’s all about the setup, and if you setup right, you can’t miss that putt.”

Let’s break down Armitage’s five steps to the 3-foot putt and help you turn these short, must-have putts into automatic putts.

Take the time to plan it – never give a hole

Armitage stresses that taking a few seconds to set up your ball is essential if you want to make these putts on the course.

“Ninety-five percent of the putt is already made when the ball is down and lined up,” he said.

Although he prefers to use a line on the ball, the key is consistency. Whether that means using a line you’ve drawn, a ball logo, or the built-in alignment tool, there’s no right way to line up your putts. Just make sure that whatever you use helps you to direct it properly at all times.

As you finish lining it up, remember that laying this length usually doesn’t turn much.

“There’s not a lot of break on these putts,” Armitage said. “It’s usually inside a hole.”

So, when you choose your line, don’t give a hole.

Focus on speed, not line

After you line up your putt, go through your normal routine and settle into your setup. From there, Armitage says take one last look at the hole before you pull the trigger. This last look should help you hold a clear picture of your putt in your mind, which helps increase your confidence. As you look to the end, Armitage says focus on one thing: speed.

“I will never think about anything other than speed or commitment [during the stroke],” he says. So they think you can miss left, you can miss right. There’s a lot that can be done.”

Instead of filling your mind with ways to miss out, Armitage suggests you jump in. After all, you’ve already chosen your line — now’s the time to trust it.

By focusing on speed, you’re focusing your attention on something you can control and powering your stroke with confidence knowing you’ve read the putt correctly and chosen the right line.

Think: toe to toe because of your stroke

Armitage emphasizes the importance of keeping your disease short and effective.

“If your stroke is long, it’s not good,” Armitage said. “Because you have to use your face more or slow down.”

In the video above and below, he says you can use your toes as a guide for 3-footers. Simply return the putter, stand on your toe of the fairway. Then, on the follow through, finish on your front toe.

“Now that putter is going great,” Armitage said. “You don’t need to hit a long 3-footer, unless you’re playing a very slow green.”

This simple guide will help you produce a short, efficient stroke that keeps the face stable and prevents any drop with the ball.

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Listen for the ball to go in

One of the most common mistakes beginners make on short putts is picking up their heads to watch them fall. However, Armitage offers another simple technique that, once mastered, will improve your performance on these short, pressure-filled putts: listen for it to go in.

“That sound for me is something I want to hear,” he said. “And the key is that if I don’t hear that sound, I miss it.

This method can look different for every player. Armitage notes that tour pros have won tournaments by keeping their eyes closed over putts. To practice listening to your putts, you can find an area of ​​the green just before the ball to focus on, or keep your eyes closed. Whatever you decide, the key is the same – keep your head still and trust your stroke.

Expect to make these putts

The final key to making pressure-filled putts, is to expect to make them.

“Always expect that you have to hole the putt,” he said. “Always look forward to catching it. Looking for to pierce it.”

It doesn’t matter if you are playing alone or in a serious game with your friend. By anticipating that you have to make these putts, you deal with the pressure and become more comfortable under it. Whatever the outcome, this will help you build confidence that goes through all rounds.