Why short putts suddenly become difficult

Short putts often feel easy – until you’re standing over the ball and think: “You’ve got to make this one!” That’s exactly when a simple putt suddenly becomes a high-pressure moment.

In this video, you’ll find out why short putts can become such a mental challenge, even though they’re often not technically complicated. It’s not just about the line, pace or putting technique. It’s about the inner pressure you put on yourself with this putt.

Putting is a special discipline in golf: no matter how old you are, no matter what your physical abilities are – with a good putt, you can do something for a moment that even the world’s best do: roll the ball into the hole with clarity, pace and confidence.

But this is precisely where the trap lies: many golfers believe that short putts should always go in. The reality is quite different. Even PGA Tour professionals only sink around 77 to 81 per cent of their putts from about 1.50 metres; about seven out of ten from about 1.80 metres; roughly one in two from about 2.40 metres; and only around four out of ten putts from about 3 metres. The exact percentages vary depending on the season and the data set, but the message remains the same: even world-class putters don’t sink every putt.
The central idea of this video:

A short putt is not a judgement on you. It is a challenge.

Golf Performance Weekend in Westendorf
At my home club, the Kitzbüheler Alpen Westendorf Golf Club, I am not offering any traditional mental training weeks for groups this year.
Instead, I’ll be working with individuals directly on the course – over a long-weekend Golf Performance Weekend from Friday to Sunday.

We’ll be working where golf is truly decided:

• on short putts under pressure
• around the green
• after mistakes
• when scoring well
• in crucial game situations
• when making decisions that shape the next shot
• in moments when a short shot feels too daunting

The aim is no longer theory. The aim is implementation: clearer decisions, more consistent routines, better self-management and greater confidence in real game situations.

If you’re interested in the personalised golf performance weekend at GC Kitzbüheler Alpen Westendorf , please send me a short email with the sentence:
“I’m interested.”

Email: sekretariat@robertnussbaumer.com
You’ll then receive further information on the programme, dates and options.