The Short Putting Routine That Makes Justin Rose Deadly from Inside 6 Feet (And How to Copy It)

It’s a Wednesday. You’re standing over a six-footer for par—hands clammy, mind racing, playing partner whispering, “Take your time,” like that’s going to help. You’ve practiced. You’ve got the right line. But somehow, that short putt still feels like a ticking time bomb.

Sound familiar?

Yeah, same here. As someone who once missed three straight three-footers in a club medal and immediately started browsing new putters online before I’d even finished the round, I get it.

But here’s the thing: Justin Rose doesn’t miss these. And it’s not just talent or a new grip—it’s the way he prepares. There’s a repeatable, pressure-proof routine that turns short putts into tap-ins, even when the stakes are high.

Let’s break it down.

The Pre-Putt Routine That Makes Rose a Machine

Rose’s process from inside six feet looks calm on the outside—but under the hood, it’s a finely tuned system. It’s not flashy. No elaborate plumb-bobbing or theatrical squats behind the ball. Just a few deliberate steps, repeated every single time. And here’s the kicker—it’s ridiculously copyable.

Step 1: The Feel vs. Real Rehearsal

Before he even steps into the ball, Rose makes a mini rehearsal stroke. But it’s not a mirror of the real putt. It’s exaggerated. He rehearses the feel—shoulders rocking, arms quiet, body staying still. Almost robotic.

What he’s doing here is anchoring his body to the motion he wants to feel. And while it looks simple, it’s a masterstroke in calming the nerves.

I started using this last year, and it stopped me from yipping short ones like I’d just downed three espressos.

Step 2: The Lock-In

After the rehearsal, Rose gets into his stance and pauses. Not long. Just enough time to lock in alignment, settle his breathing, and flick the switch in his head from “preparing” to “committing.”

No extra shuffles. No second thoughts.

This isn’t about rushing—it’s about eliminating that split-second doubt that sneaks in and whispers, “What if you pull it?”

If you’ve ever backed off a short putt because something “felt off,” this part’s for you. Decide. Commit. Go.

The One Technical Key That Changed Everything

Rose changed to the claw grip back in 2016. Not because it looked cool (it doesn’t), but because it took his hands out of the equation.

You know that late-hand flick when you panic? Gone.

With the claw, he uses his shoulders and upper body to power the stroke—removing wrist breakdown, reducing face manipulation, and making it way easier to keep the putter square through impact.

If your short putting turns into a horror show under pressure, this one change might be the fix. I made the switch mid-season last year—my putting stats didn’t just improve; they stopped keeping me awake at night.

Why Rose’s Routine Works Under Pressure

It’s not magic. It’s muscle memory built through thousands of deliberate reps. What looks effortless on TV is actually a blueprint for every amateur golfer to copy.

Here’s why it holds up:

It’s short and simple. No room for overthinking.
It prioritizes feel over mechanics. Especially useful when your brain’s shouting.
It builds confidence with every repetition. The same move, same setup, same result.

If you’ve ever had your hands shake over a four-footer, you know that routines are like armor. Rose’s is a full-body suit.

The “In-Game” Version You Can Use

Let’s say you’re out playing this weekend. Greens are quick. Putter feels a little foreign in your hands.

Here’s how to build your own Rose-style routine:

Rehearse the feel. Make one exaggerated practice stroke with your shoulders only.
Step in confidently. Set the face first, then your feet.
Settle and commit. One breath. Lock it in.
No hesitation. Pull the trigger.

I’ve used this at everything from casual rounds to pressure-packed matches at my club. The routine keeps me grounded, even when the match is on the line and my opponent is already reaching for the flag.

Bonus Tip: Use This at the Range, Too

Most golfers only “practice” putting by randomly rolling 20 balls at the same hole.

Don’t do that.

Instead, treat every short putt at the practice green like it counts. Use the full routine. If you’re like me and get obsessive, go a step further—record a few to check your posture and face angle.

It’s the boring stuff that builds confidence. And when you know what’s going to happen from inside six feet? You can swing a little freer everywhere else.

Let’s Be Real…

You’re not Justin Rose. (Neither am I.) But you don’t have to be. His short putting routine isn’t about talent—it’s about process. It’s about trusting a system that’s been pressure-tested at the highest level.

And if you’re the kind of golfer who practices putting in the hallway while the kettle’s boiling, or takes practice strokes while waiting in line at the post office (guilty), you’re already halfway there.

Just add structure.

Trust the feel.

And next time you’re standing over that testy putt—whether it’s for birdie, par, or just to avoid another three-jack—give yourself the best chance to knock it in.

You’ve got the routine now.