-
Step 1
Take no putt for granted. Just because it is short and you’ve been having a hot day, don’t assume you are going to make any putt. Take each 10-inch bogey putt every bit as seriously as you would a 6-footer for a birdie.
-
Step 2
When lining up your short putt, find a marker line halfway between the ball and the cup which sits directly in your path. Concentrate on making the ball cross that marker on it’s way to the hole. This makes a short put seem even shorter.
-
Step 3
Make sure to cut down on any extraneous motion in your swing. A short putt requires a simple, focused movement—back to front. Avoid any leg bounce or extra arm movements to keep it simple and routine.
-
Step 4
After you strike your putt, always remember to follow through evenly at your target. The follow through will often be short, so there is a tendency to pull up off of the ball too soon. Make sure to stay keep your head and body in position until the ball rolls into the cup.
-
Step 5
Avoid “gimmes.” Gimmes are short putts that casual golfers allow playing partners to “pick-up” and count as made without actually making them. This noble and gentlemanly tradition of “assuming” you would make the shorty does nothing to help you when you are trying to sink a 9-inch putt to win a point in your work golf league. Even Tiger and Jack have missed short putts—just not many. Hit gimmes and treat them as needed practice.
