Testing 3ft putts

[One Planer]

We've all been there.

Standing over a testing 3ft return putt that appears to have a little break. Not too much, but enough to make you think.

How do you play them?

 

[Imurg]

Spooky - was only thinking about this today
Not a great fan of the firm and straight method as I wouldn't fancy the 3-4 footer coming back.
But judging the break and pace isn't easy either if dead-weighting it.

Sitting firmly on the fence I'm going to get splinters...

 

[Crow]

A combination of the two for me, as Imurg says, deadweighting means a tricky read and too firm can be risky as well. I try and give it enough pace so that my aim is inside the hole but still with an allowance for a bit of break.

Our greens slope so much that this is a regular putt for me, the main thing I try and do is to not worry about the result as I'm going to miss some sometimes, just pick the line, strength and commit to it.

 

[tsped83]

Please can I have a fourth option Gareth? "Hit and hope".

 

[kid2]

Same as Murg..... I was given a tip a while back to pick a point at the back of the hole instead of the front lip....... I cant bring myself to wallop them in though.... Thats all well and good when you have a pretty sound stroke that doesnt waver off line much...... I prefer the 1ft putts after lagging it from about 30ft...:lol:

Ill always watch after iv missed the 3 footer though so that i can see what line it takes past the hole.... I doesnt always work out though.....

 

[Ian_S]

I try to play it firm, as I feel deadweight is almost accepting a miss to leave a tap-in. Plus I have no touch, so just thumping it in suits my ham-fisted approach to putting. But then I three-putt concerningly often, so maybe my tactics are wrong.

Edit: Saying that, if it's downhill then I'll probably try to deadweight it. Uphill or level and it's firm.

 

[Foxholer]

If I can putt it on aline that will fall in if there is no break an won't go too far past, then I'll play that, otherwise I'm more one fore using the break.. 3-feet is close enough to be less fearful for me. 4-5 feet is my 'length of uncertaincy'!

 

[RobertB]

Testy to some, simple to others. Just ask Tiger circa early 2000s to now.

 

[garyinderry]

up slope - give it a bit more.

down slope - play for the break and let it roll in.

 

[Hobbit]

Lag it every time!

 

[Evesdad]

A combination of the two for me, as Imurg says, deadweighting means a tricky read and too firm can be risky as well. I try and give it enough pace so that my aim is inside the hole but still with an allowance for a bit of break.

Our greens slope so much that this is a regular putt for me, the main thing I try and do is to not worry about the result as I'm going to miss some sometimes, just pick the line, strength and commit to it.

The slopes at yours have def messed with my head a bit! After we played I keep seeing breaks in our greens that aren't as bad as I think! So I'm allowing for more break, weirdly it's helped with chipping! Cheers Nick.

 

[El Bandito]

Have to go for it.

Playing partner said to me once after a decent tee shot on a par 3 - "It has to be a two or a four" That's what he tells himself. I find it easier to do something "positive" than something "delicate". At my level 3 footers are seldom for birdies - and making them is the difference between an OK score and a good score.

 

[USER1999]

Just pick it up, it's a gimme isn't it?

 

[HawkeyeMS]

What is testing about it?

 

[Birchy]

up slope - give it a bit more.

down slope - play for the break and let it roll in.

Beat me to it Gary.

This is the way to go imo.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Have to go for it.

Playing partner said to me once after a decent tee shot on a par 3 - "It has to be a two or a four" That's what he tells himself. I find it easier to do something "positive" than something "delicate". At my level 3 footers are seldom for birdies - and making them is the difference between an OK score and a good score.

Strange thought process from your playing partner, what was his handicap?

 

[CirenBhoy]

I tend it hit it with a slight bias allowing for the break but firmly enough that the break won't have it miss on the low side. But you do have to brave with these putts.

 

[cookelad]

I'd just play it like any other putt - assess the line and gradient, if it's uphill it's going to play a little straighter if it's downhill allow a little more borrow!

 

[Slab]

Dead weight for me regardless of length of putt

I'd rather be an inch short and online than wide & a foot past

 

[mcbroon]

Badly, if Sunday is anything to go by.

It depends on the amount of break. If I have to aim outside the hole even to hit it firm, then I'll try and play it dead weight. If I can hit it firm and aim inside the hole, then I will.