Three-Putt
Scoring
Explained Simply
Taking three putts to hole the ball on one green. Adds a stroke to your score and is one of the biggest score-wreckers.
Example
“You arrive at the green needing a 4 to make par. You three-putt — score is now 6 = double bogey.”
Why it matters
Eliminating three-putts is often the single biggest improvement area for beginners.
Common beginner mistake
Being too aggressive on long putts and rolling it well past the hole, setting up a difficult comebacker.
Related
beginner
Scoring
Related
- Two-PuttTaking exactly two putts to hole the ball on any green. The standard expectation — it's built into par calculation.
- Lag PuttA long putt where your primary goal is to leave the ball close to the hole (within 2–3 feet) rather than trying to hole it.
- BreakThe curved path a putt travels due to the slope of the green. A putt 'breaks' (turns) toward the low side of the green.