Short putts can be a golfer’s best friend—or their worst enemy. Just ask Rory McIlroy. During the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst course No. 2, McIlroy missed two putts inside 4 feet in his final three holes, including a 2½-footer for par on the 16th and a 3-foot, 9-inch putt for par on the 18th. Ouch! That’s brutal now.

But here’s the thing about short putts: they’re the grand finale of every hole, the last hurdle before you can move on. And because they should be easy, the pressure to make them often feels sky-high. Miss one, and it feels like the end of the world (it’s not).

But here’s the key: Chill out and trust your stroke. The hype around short putts—from TV commentators to that little voice in your head—makes them seem way bigger than they are. But at the end of the day, the worst-case scenario is a miss. Nobody’s keeping score on how you missed a 3-footer.

So here’s the plan: don’t overthink it. Let’s break down how to handle these putts step by step, so you can own your short putts instead of letting them own you.

1. Small pendulum stroke

You’re right near the hole, so keep it simple. The fewer moving parts, the better. Imagine your putter is a pendulum, swinging smoothly from your shoulders, not your wrists or arms. Try to avoid things like breaking your wrists, lifting your head, or twisting your body. Focus on using your bigger muscles—your shoulders—so your stroke stays smooth and consistent. Keeping it simple is the secret to solid short-putting.

2. Decide your aim and stick to it

When it comes to short putts, your aim is everything. Start by choosing your target—whether it’s the center of the hole, the edge, or just outside if the putt has a little break. For most short putts, you won’t need to aim much more than a cup outside the hole. Once you’ve decided where you want the ball to go, commit to it.

The setup here is key—get your eyes directly over the ball, as close to your aim line as possible. This makes it easier to see the line clearly and reduces any weird angles. The better you aim, the less you’ll be relying on luck. So, pick your line, trust it, and go for it!

3. Square your putter face

Once you’ve picked your line, it’s time to square up that putter face to your target. This is key because if your putter’s face isn’t lined up right, the ball’s going off-course—no matter how solid your stroke is. Keep the face perpendicular to the line you’ve chosen, and don’t try to adjust mid-swing. A square putter face means stability, so you can just trust your setup and let the putter do the work for you. Keep it simple, and let the putter do its job.

4. Stay steady and aligned

For short putts, staying steady is a must and crucial. Focus on your posture—make sure your feet are firmly planted, your core is engaged, and your head stays still. Your shoulders and forearms should align with your aim, letting your arms swing naturally along that line.

Ball positioning is also important—find a spot that feels comfortable and consistent so you can repeat it every time. When everything’s lined up, your putt will roll true and straight. The more stable you are, the more reliable your stroke will be.

5. Control speed like a pro

Speed can make or break your putt—literally. If you hit it too hard, the hole basically gets smaller, and you’re more likely to lip out. Too soft, and you might end up leaving it short. You want to find that sweet spot—a place where, if it doesn’t drop in, the ball rolls about a foot past the hole.

To master your speed, practice is your best friend. Try the 3-foot incremental drill: start with a ball at 3 feet, then move it back to 6 feet, and keep going. As you move further back, make your stroke a bit bigger, but always focus on rhythm and feel. Think of the backstroke as your engine—small for short putts, bigger for longer ones—but always smooth and steady. Practice this, and you’ll start sinking putts at the perfect pace in no time.

Bonus Tip: Practice makes your game perfect

Distance control doesn’t come naturally—it’s built through PRACTICE. The more you practice, especially on drills like the incremental one, the more you develop, and the muscle memory kicks in. Before you know it, your speed and aim under pressure will feel automatic.

And hey, who’s got time for slow-pace play? Keep it smooth and steady. Sure, it’s not as thrilling as smashing drives down the fairway, but this kind of grind will cut strokes from your score quicker than anything else.

When you mix a solid stroke, sharp aim, and spot-on speed, those 3-footers go from being stress-inducing to money in the bank. Follow these steps, and you’ll be putting like a pro in no time—no fuss, no drama, just confidence and lower scores.