Drain It, Don’t Dread It: Mental Keys for Clutch Putts

Many players feel increased pressure as they get closer to the hole, especially on the putting green. This discussion reframes pressure as a problem of perception and goal clarity. Instead of fearing a miss, players should break the putting process into clear, attainable goals—like reading break, checking pace, and committing to decisions. Fear often creeps in when decisions remain open-ended. By mentally “checking off” each stage of the process and trusting past training, a player can approach each putt with confidence, clarity, and calm. Pressure fades when purpose takes over.