How to Stop Three-Putting
To stop three-putting, focus on three things: get your first putt's speed right so it finishes close, hole the short putts that are left, and hit approach shots that leave shorter first putts. Fix those and most three-putts disappear.
A three-putt means taking three putts to hole out once you're on the green. It's one of the easiest ways to drop a shot without hitting a bad swing all hole, which is exactly why it's so frustrating.
Why three-putts happen
Before you can fix them, it helps to know where they come from. Most three-putts fall into one of these:
| Cause | What it looks like | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Poor speed on the first putt | Racing it 8 feet past or leaving it 8 feet short | Lag putting practice, speed first |
| Missing short putts | Getting it to 4 feet, then missing | A routine and regular short-putt practice |
| Very long first putts | Hitting the green but far from the hole | Better approach targets |
| Misreading the green | First putt finishes well below or above | Read from the low side |
| Rushing the second putt | Tapping it carelessly and missing | Treat every putt the same |
Fix 1: Make speed your first job
On any putt longer than about 20 feet, speed is everything. The aim is to leave the ball within a few feet. Pick a target circle around the hole, look at the hole while making practice strokes, and let the length of your stroke set the distance. Our lag putting tips go into this in more detail.
Fix 2: Get great from 3 feet
Plenty of three-putts are really good lags followed by a missed tiddler. Short putts are mostly about confidence and a solid, square strike:
- Pick a precise target, such as a blade of grass on the back of the cup.
- Hit it firmly enough that it would finish a little past the hole, so small bumps don't knock it off line.
- Keep your head still until you hear it drop.
Fix 3: Read the slope near the hole
If your first putt keeps finishing well below the hole, you're under-reading the break. Most of the break happens as the ball slows down near the cup, so pay the most attention to the last few feet. See how to read a green for a simple routine.
Fix 4: Leave yourself shorter first putts
A shorter first putt is the easiest fix of all. Aiming for the middle of the green, rather than a pin tucked near the edge, often leaves you closer on average and avoids awkward putts over ridges.
Fix 5: Avoid the big misses
- Above the hole on a fast green: downhill putts are hard to stop. Aim to finish below the hole if you can.
- Over a ridge: on two-tier greens, the first job is to get the ball onto the right level.
- Off the edge: sometimes it's better to putt from the fringe than chip, if the grass is short and smooth.
Fix 6: Treat every putt the same
Use the same short routine on a 2-footer as on a 30-footer. Mark it, read it, make a practice stroke, then putt. Rushing a tap-in because it looks easy is a classic way to drop a shot.
Fix 7: Practise with a score
Practice is more useful when there's something at stake. Try playing nine holes on the putting green where any three-putt counts double, or see our putting drills at home for indoor games.
Try it in Mashy
In Mashy, every hole finishes with a drag-and-release putt, so three-putts cost you shots just like in real golf. Watch the green read overlay for the high and low ground, give long putts the right pace, and you'll see your scorecard improve. On a par 3, a tee shot onto the green and a single putt is the best realistic score, a birdie 2.
Frequently asked questions
How many three-putts is normal for a beginner?
It varies a lot, and there's no official figure. Beginners often have several three-putts in a round because their speed control on long putts is still developing. Tracking your own number and trying to lower it each round is more useful than comparing yourself with anyone else.
What is the main cause of three-putting?
For most golfers, poor speed on the first putt is the biggest cause. A first putt that finishes well past or well short leaves a tricky second putt. Getting long putts to finish within a few feet makes the second putt far easier to hole.
Does a putt from the fringe count as a three-putt?
Usually, no. A three-putt is normally counted as taking three putts once your ball is on the putting green, so putting from the fringe or apron is not normally included in your putts total. Golfers do count it differently in casual play, so agree a rule with your group if you are keeping stats.
Is it better to leave a putt short or long?
Generally, a little long is better, because a putt that stops short has no chance of dropping. The exception is a fast downhill putt, where leaving it just short can save you from a long, scary return. Aim for a speed that would roll the ball a foot or two past.
Can you three-putt in Mashy?
Yes. Every hole in Mashy ends with drag-and-release putts on sloping greens, so poor speed or a misread can leave you with a second or third putt. Only a putt can drop in Mashy, which makes good putting important to every score.