When Trying to Make a Putt Will Hurt You

One of the most common mistakes golfers make on the greens is trying too hard to make the putt—especially on short ones. It seems logical: you’re close to the hole, so you should make it. But that mindset often leads to tension, overthinking, and ultimately, missed putts.

The Trap of “Trying to Make It”

When you stand over a putt with the single thought, I need to make this, your focus shifts away from the things you can actually control. You start guiding the putter or adding a jab at impact—all because you’re trying to force the ball into the hole.

The result? A stroke that doesn’t reflect your normal tempo or process.

Stick to the Process

The best putters in the world don’t obsess about “making.” Instead, they commit to a process:

• Choose a line.

• Pick a speed.

• Roll the ball on that line with that speed.

That’s it. Your job ends when you deliver the ball as planned. From there, the green and the cup take over.

The Reality Check: Even the Pros Miss

It’s easy to feel like you should make every short putt, but let’s look at the stats. On the PGA Tour, the best players in the world make only about 50% of their putts from 8 feet. That’s right—half the time, they miss.

So why should you expect perfection?

Focus on Execution, Not Outcome

Instead of worrying about whether the ball goes in, focus on executing the process. If you rolled the putt on your intended line with the right pace, then you succeeded—regardless of whether the ball drops. Over time, this mindset leads to more makes and less frustration.

👉 Next time you’re over a short putt, ask yourself: Am I trying to make this, or am I sticking to my process? That simple shift could make all the difference in your putting game.