Shot Scope Data Reveals Half of Putts Are Left Short by 15-Handicap Golfers
01/31/2026 by Matthias Gräf
Never up, never in. This classic putting adage holds true more often than many golfers realize. According to Shot Scope data, a 15-handicapper leaves half of their putts short, a common mistake that can cost valuable strokes on the green.
Shot Scope Data Reveals Half of Putts Are Left Short by 15-Handicap Golfers – Source @https://instagram.com/peterfinchgolf
Never up, never in. This classic putting adage holds true more often than many golfers realize. According to Shot Scope data, a 15-handicapper leaves half of their putts short, a common mistake that can cost valuable strokes on the green.
Putting is arguably the most crucial part of the game, and mastering distance control is key to lowering your scores. Leaving putts short not only reduces your chances of sinking the ball but also increases the risk of three-putts, which can quickly add up over the course of a round.
Why Do Golfers Leave Putts Short?
Many golfers struggle with committing fully to their stroke, often decelerating through the ball due to nerves or a lack of confidence. This hesitation causes the ball to fall short of the target line. The data from Shot Scope highlights this issue clearly, showing that even mid-handicap players frequently fail to reach the hole.
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Commit to Your Stroke
The key to improving your putting lies in commitment. A confident, smooth stroke with proper pace will help ensure the ball reaches the intended distance. Practicing distance control drills and focusing on the rhythm of your stroke can build the muscle memory needed to avoid coming up short.
Golfers should also pay attention to green reading and speed, but ultimately, the stroke itself must be decisive. As the saying goes, “Never up, never in” — if you don’t give your putt enough pace, it simply won’t drop.
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