Scratch vs. Higher Handicaps: Who is More Likely to Three-Putt?

Welcome to Play Smart, where we delve into the data to provide you with insights into improving your golf game. In today’s edition, we examine the frequency of three-putts among recreational golfers.

The name of the game on the greens is avoiding three-putts. While sinking your first putt is ideal, the priority should always be to minimize the chances of a three-putt.

Achieving this mission, however, is easier said than done. Even professional golfers find it challenging to make long-distance putts consistently. According to data from 2021, the PGA Tour players had a make rate of only 5.8 percent for a first putt from 33 feet. In contrast, the likelihood of a three-putt stood at a staggering 6.4 percent. Yes, you read that right – at just 33 feet, the chances of leaving with a bogey were higher than those of making a birdie! Therefore, your primary focus should always be on eliminating three-putts from your scorecard.

The frequency of three-putts among recreational golfers varies across different skill levels. Scratch players are more likely to avoid three-putts compared to those with handicaps of five or higher. So, what exactly do the numbers look like across various skill levels? Thanks to data compiled by Lou Stagner, a renowned expert in golf statistics, we have the answers.

How Often Do Players Three-Putt?

Please note that the data below applies to all situations and can be influenced by factors such as green speed, smoothness, and the difficulty level of the putt.

“While three-putt percent is somewhat useful,…” – Lou Stagner

Unsurprisingly, players with a handicap of 20 have a significantly higher chance of three-putting compared to those with higher skill levels. Even from just 10 feet away from the cup, 20-handicappers three-putt nearly 7 percent more often than scratch players. This discrepancy grows as the distance from the cup increases. Once a 20-handicapper reaches the 36-40 foot range, the likelihood of a three-putt becomes almost a coin flip. Scratch players also face their fair share of challenges. In the same 36-40 foot range, they three-putt slightly over 25 percent of the time. For five-, 10-, and 15-handicaps, the figures are even higher, at 33.8, 38.6, and 43.5 percent, respectively.

It is worth noting that the closer you get to the hole, the lower the chances of a three-putt (which is obvious). However, what may surprise you is how closely proximity to the hole impacts the likelihood of a three-putt. A 20-handicapper may celebrate hitting the green in regulation, but if their putt falls outside the 35-foot mark, they still face a real possibility of ending up with a bogey.

Breathe easy, though. There are measures you can take to minimize the likelihood of a three-putt. The key among them is distance control. While direction certainly matters, it is the front-to-back dispersion that tends to be larger. By focusing on improving your distance control, you can shrink this front-to-back dispersion and reduce the number of three-putts.