3 Putt

Definition: A "3-putt" is exactly what it sounds like: When a golfer requires three putts on the green to get the ball into the hole, that's a 3-putt (also spelled out as "three-putt").

A 3-putt is one of the no-no's in golf - something that all players hope to avoid. Why? It goes back to the concept of par. The par of a hole always includes two putts. A par-3 hole is rated as such because an expert golfer is expected to require one stroke to get onto the green and two putts to get into the hole. On a par-4, an expert golfer is expected to require two strokes to get onto the green, and two putts to get into the hole. And so on.

So the idea that the goal is to take no more than two putts on a given green is ingrained in golfers. That's what makes the 3-putt something that golfers really hate.

From our Tournament Formats and Betting Games glossary, some golf games that focus on avoiding 3-putts include:

• Thirty Two
• Putt for Dough
• Snake
• Three-Putt Poker

Return to Golf Glossary index

Also Known As: Three Putt