When you are standing on one 3-foot putt — especially with something on the line — it’s amazing how quickly tension can creep up. Suddenly, what should be a “gimme” feels anything but guaranteed, and you can’t shake the feeling that the putt is yours to lose rather than make.
fortunately, GOLF Top 100 Teachers David Armitage says it’s easy to take the pressure off these shots. You just have to remember to dial in your setup and remember one simple phrase – if it’s long, it’s wrong.
“My theory here is that you drilled this putt before you killed it,” Armitage says. “It’s all about setup, and if you setup it right, you can’t miss this shot.”
Let’s break down Armitage’s five steps to emptying 3-foot legs and help you turn these short, must-have makeup looks into automatic shots.
Take the time to line it up – never leave the hole
Armitage points out that taking a few extra seconds to properly line up the ball is essential if you want to hit these shots on the court.
“Ninety-five percent of that putt is already done after the ball is on the ground and it’s lined up,” he says.
While he prefers to use the line on the ball, the key is consistency. Whether that means using a line you’ve drawn, the ball logo, or a built-in alignment aid, there’s no right way to line up your shots. Just make sure whatever you use helps you aim correctly every time.
As you finish lining it up, keep in mind that paws at this length usually don’t turn much.
“There’s not a lot of rest in these shots,” says Armitage. “Normally it’s inside the hole.”
So when you choose your line, don’t give the hole away.
Focus on the speed, not the line
Once you’ve lined up the putt, go through your normal routine and settle into your setup. From there, Armitage says to take one final look at the bore before pulling the trigger. This last look should help you keep a clear picture of your shot in your mind, which helps boost your confidence. As you cast your final look, Armitage says to focus on one thing: speed.
“I would never think about anything other than pace or engagement (while batting),” he says. “What a lot of people are doing is they’re thinking about driving while they’re hitting the putt. So they’re thinking don’t miss it left, don’t miss it right. There’s a lot that doesn’t go on.”
Instead of filling your mind with ways you might be missing out, Armitage suggests slowing down. After all, you’ve already chosen your line – now it’s time to trust it.
By focusing on speed, you shift your attention to something you can control and step up your shot with confidence, knowing you’ve read the putt correctly and picked the right line.
Think: toes for your kick
Armitage stresses the importance of keeping your shot short and efficient.
“If your stroke goes long, it’s wrong,” says Armitage. “Because then you have to manipulate the face a lot or slow down.”
In the video above and below, he says you can use your toes as a guide for the tripod legs. Simply walk the shooter back, stopping at your toe. Then, in the next section, finish on the front toe.
“Now that shooter is moving efficiently,” Armitage says. “You don’t need a long tee shot unless you’re playing on greens that are very, very slow.”
This simple guide will help you create a short, efficient swing that keeps the face stable and prevents any deceleration through the ball.
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Listen for the ball to come in
One of the most common mistakes amateurs make in short putts is taking the head to see the drop of their putt. However, Armitage offers a simple alternative that, when mastered, will improve your performance on these short, pressure-packed shots: listen for it to come in.
“That sound, to me, is something I want to hear,” he says. “And the key is if I don’t hear that sound, I’ve lost it. So, I don’t need to look to know if I’ve lost it or killed it.”
This approach may look different for each player. Armitage points to tournament pros who have won tournaments by keeping their eyes closed on putts. To practice hearing your shots, you can find a spot on the green right in front of the ball to focus on, or even close your eyes. Whatever you decide, the main point is the same – keep a cool head and trust your shot.
Expect to make these puttas
The last key to doing pressure-filled nails is to wait until you have to do them.
“Always expect to have to open that putt,” he says. “I always look forward to erasing it. I want to open it.”
It doesn’t matter if you’re playing alone or in a tight match with a friend. By expecting to have to execute these shots, you face the pressure head-on and become more comfortable under it. Regardless of the outcome, this will help you build confidence that carries into each round.
