Leaving putts short is one of the most common mistakes golfers make, and it quietly adds strokes to every round. A putt that never reaches the hole has no chance of going in, yet many golfers repeatedly come up short without realizing why.
⛳ Watch Video Below ⛳
Please Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The primary reason putts miss short is fear. Many golfers are subconsciously afraid of hitting the ball too far past the hole, so they decelerate the putter through impact. That deceleration kills distance and consistency.
Another major cause is misunderstanding how distance control works. Distance in putting is controlled by stroke length, not by hitting the ball harder or softer. When golfers try to slow the putter down to “be gentle,” the stroke often breaks down and the ball comes up short.
Proper tempo is critical. Your putting tempo should remain the same on every putt. Only the length of the stroke should change. A longer stroke rolls the ball farther. A shorter stroke rolls it less. When tempo stays consistent, distance control improves immediately.
Aiming can also contribute to short putts. Golfers who over-read break often slow the stroke down subconsciously. When you play too much break, the brain reacts by taking speed off the putt, resulting in a ball that dies well before the hole.
A simple fix is to change your speed mindset. Instead of trying to die the ball at the hole, imagine rolling the ball three to six inches past it. This gives the putt enough pace to hold its line and drop if the read is correct.
A great practice drill is to place a tee about one foot past the hole. Practice rolling putts so they finish before the tee but past the hole. This trains proper speed and removes fear of hitting the ball too far.
Grip pressure also matters. Excess tension in the hands restricts feel and makes distance control difficult. Keep your grip light and relaxed so the putter can swing freely.
When you commit to speed, maintain tempo, and trust the stroke, putts stop missing short. As more putts reach the hole, confidence grows and scores begin to drop quickly.
Kevin Collier is an avid golfer and contributing author at AIGolfTips.com, where he shares his passion for the game through expert tips, techniques, and gear reviews. With years of experience on the course, Kevin offers valuable insights for golfers of all skill levels, helping them improve their game and maximize their potential. Whether discussing swing mechanics or the latest in golf technology, Kevin's engaging approach aims to inspire and educate fellow golf enthusiasts to elevate their performance and enjoy every moment on the green.
