Quick Tip -- Trouble hooking the ball? Try rotating your body through the shot. This will delay the face squaring and straighten out that big hook! Good luck!

Quick Tip -- Trouble topping the ball? Focus on the back of the ball and you will stay in the shot a moment longer and make better contact. Good luck and happy Sunday! Go play some golf!

Over the past few months I have been focusing on the details of the golf swing. I am going to shift gears and tackle putting this month. All players should make putting practice a priority. A 3 foot putt is worth just as much as a 300 yard drive, after all! Here are some thoughts that may help you get better or rediscover that lost magic with the putter.

1. Sole the club evenly on the ground. The center of the club where the ball is struck must swing parallel to the slope of the ground. Do not press the club into the ground.
2. Position the shaft of the putter as vertical as possible. Please reference #1 above.
3. Slightly lean the shaft of the putter toward the target.
4. Grip the putter as lightly as possible. On a 1 to 10 scale, try 3 or 4. Less on down hill putts and more on up hill putts.
5. Position the golf ball off the logo of your shirt, provided it is on your left chest. If you make a mistake, the ball is better off farther forward than farther back in your stance.
6. Position the majority of your body's weight on your front foot. Left foot for right handed golfers. This percentage can be as little as 51% left foot or as much as 90% left. Whatever percentage you choose, it should stay the same throughout the stroke.


Now you are set up to make the best possible putt you can. The rest is up to you. Practice from various distances and angles. This will allow you to sure up your putting, take a few strokes off your score, or beat a buddy out of a friendly wager! Good luck and Good Golfing!