I felt this player was betting the flop if I checked, so rather than call a bet I usually prefer to make it, especially after 3betting out of the sb.

Why do we think checking the flop is fine?
If villain bets flop, what is our plan for the rest of the hand?
If villain also checks, are we betting turn and river?

bode: I hadn't been in enough big pots with him to tell yet about bet sizing.