Breaking 90

June 25, 2008

How I fade it

To hit a fade, I make two adjustments to my setup, then make my normal swing. First, I aim as far left of the target as I want the ball to start. Second, I open the clubface (inset), pointing it to where I want the ball to land. I love relying on my fade. In the second round of the 2006 Tournament of Champions, I hit a big fade into the seventh green and made the putt for birdie that turned my day around and put me on track to win.

How I draw it

To draw the ball, my pre-shot adjustments are the opposite of those I make to hit a fade. First, I aim my body to the right, where I want the ball to start. Second, I close the clubface (inset) so it faces where I want the ball to land. I don't change my grip or my swing. And I don't swing any harder or easier. With both of these shots, I trust that the set-up changes I made will produce a different shot when I make my standard golf swing.

Make time count at the range

Whenever you're practicing, have a drill or goal in mind. I like to hit nine balls with my 9-iron -- three high, three low and three at my normal trajectory. I change targets every few swings to make sure I'm getting quality practice.

Position A

These three balls show various positions in my stance. The back ball is for a wedge, the middle for a 5-iron and the front for a 5-wood. Don't let the ball get too far back with any club. If it does, you won't have enough time to square the club at impact.

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WHEN SHOULD A PUTT BE GOOD?

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Breaking 90

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How I fade it

How I draw it

Make time count at the range

Position A

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