Texas Children's Houston Open

Memorial Park Golf Course



Putting

Steal My Feel

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One area where most amateurs can easily shave strokes is on the green. Players under pressure tend to get short with their backstroke and then jab at the ball, especially on putts of less than 10 feet. Making a backswing that is a little longer will eliminate the need for a quick forward stroke. Ideally, you want the same tempo back and through.

A drill that I like to do every day can go a long way to help you make a more consistent stroke. Set up to a 10-footer like you normally would, then place a tee just outside the toe of your putter. Going straight back from this tee, place another tee where your backstroke would end if you made a smooth, unhurried stroke. (Hint: It's probably longer than you think.)

Work on swinging the putterhead from that first tee back to the second, then let it release through the ball. You should feel no change in grip pressure, because your stroke just flows back and through. You'll put a better roll on the ball and bury more of these must-make putts.

LEWIS ranks first on the LPGA Tour in birdie average (4.06) and is second in putting (1.75 putts per green in regulation).