Why Do I Three-Putt So Much? (Speed vs Line Diagnostic)
TL;DRAlmost every three-putt is a first putt that finished outside three feet — not a missed second putt.
Three-putts feel like missed short putts. The data says they're almost always missed first putts. If your lag putt finishes inside 3 feet you make the second 92% of the time. Outside 5 feet you make it about 55%. Speed is everything.
4-question self-test
- On your last 5 three-putts, how long was the first putt?
- How far past (or short of) the hole did the first putt finish?
- Did the second putt scare the hole, or never had a chance?
- Did the green have grain or significant slope?
If most first putts finished more than 4 feet from the hole — that's your problem. Speed, not line.
The 30-minute speed drill
What not to practice
- 3-footers in a row from one spot. You're not gaining anything you'll use on the course.
- Reading break for an hour. Speed dominates break at amateur level. A perfect read with bad speed is still a 3-putt.
What to expect
Two weeks of the ladder drill typically drops three-putts by 0.5–1 per round. That's a full stroke off your scoring average, with zero swing work.
FAQ
How many three-putts is normal?+
Scratch: ~0.7 per round. 10 handicap: ~1.5. 15 handicap: ~2. 20 handicap: ~2.5. More than that and speed control is the single biggest fix in your bag.
Should I practice short putts or long putts more?+
Long putts — specifically lag putting from 25–40 feet — for speed control. Short putts get plenty of work in the round itself. Practice the shot you're worst at, not the one that feels worst.
Stop guessing what to work on.
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