Even the best players in the world don’t do that make every shot short, but they do a much higher percentage than the recreational golfer.
While much of their success can be attributed to solid technique, top players also spend a significant amount of time practicing these shots. When was the last time you really focused on your setup, aim and stroke when hitting short shots? 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 the short shots.
1. “Tapping” or excessive movement
It can be a challenge to stay as still as you need to when setting up – especially on short shots. Looking too early or making unnecessary body movements can affect both the face of the foot and the path of the shot.
The head and lower body must remain stationary throughout the stroke. Ideally, you finish your stroke, hold your end, and only then turn your head to see the result. In many cases, the ball will already be in the hole before you look up.
This is something you can practice with training aids. Learning to trust your aim and shot, with the right feedback, can help you avoid the instinct to look too early.
2. Assuming the putt is fair
Many missed short shots come from simply assuming the putt is fair. In reality, most shots (even short ones) have a degree of rest.
Take time to read green carefully. Even a subtle adjustment in aim, accounting for a slight curve, can be the difference between a miss and a car.
3. Poor ball position
Improper ball position, either too far forward or too far back, can lead to path problems.
A ball positioned too far forward often opens the shoulders, creating an outside path that can cause pull or cut. This not only affects the direction, but also makes distance control more difficult on longer shots. A ball too far back tends to promote an inside-out route, leading to pushed shots.
Make sure that when you practice you decide that you are taking the time to work on your fundamentals. They can be the difference between a make and a mistake.
4. Positioning your body in front of the putter face
Your setup routine is critical in all areas of the game, but especially in putting, where face alignment is essential.
The best players usually aim for the player’s face first, then position their body in relation to it. Golfers who put their body first often struggle to aim the face accurately.
5. Extreme changes in clamping pressure
Consistent grip pressure helps maintain a smooth, repeatable stroke. A stroke should feel balanced in both length and pace. Sudden changes in grip pressure can cause the putter to be unstable or create unwanted acceleration, leading to poor direction and distance control.
You can choose the grip pressure that feels best to you. Some golfers prefer a lighter grip, while others prefer a firmer grip. Either approach can work, but consistency is key.
