Q: Martin S.:
When putting a 5' - 6' putt that breaks a little , do you recommend a solid stroke to eliminate the break?

A: Todd A. Sammons (South Florida Section):
It depends on the amount of break and how fast the putt is. If it's a slower putt with a minimal amount of break, yes take the break out by hitting it harder. If it is a faster putt with alot of break, play more break and strike it more towards the toe to deaden the impact. Hope this helps!

Q: Louise:
What is the best way to keep the putter square to insure a correct line to the hole?

A: Le Ann K.H. Finger (South Florida Section):
Louise,

There are a few drills you can use on the practice putting green to help you keep the putter square at impact.

First, lay two yard sticks or golf clubs along the ground so that look like train tracks toward the hole. You will place them far enough apart to allow your putterhead to swing between them. If you pick the putter up on the backswing and open the clubface, chances are you will hit one of the golf club shafts. You will want to practice taking the clubhead back and through toward the hole to get a feel of the clubhead being square at impact.

Second, try lining up the name of the golf ball so it's pointed toward the hole. Then make sure the scoring line on the top of your putter hit the ball (that is the sweet spot on your putter.) You should be able to see the line of the manufacturer's name as it tracks toward the hole. You can always draw a line on the golf ball for this same purpose.

Third, if you have access to a snap chalk line (available at most hardware stores) you can snap a chalk line (usually purple dust) on the putting green (most facilities don't mind a chalk line on the green for practice purposes--as it washes away from rain and when the greens are mowed.) This allows you to practice your swing by trying to keep the scoring line of the putter along the straight line you snapped on the green.

Hope this helps--good luck with your putting!

Q: Paula:
How can I stop lifting my head while putting?

A: Ronald Miller (Southern Texas Section):
I have 2 drills for you to try. 1. Hit some 10-12 foot putts with your eyes closed. 2. Hit the same putt looking at the hole and not the ball.

The reason I would have you do this is that you may not be lifting your head, you may be simply standing up at impact. The 2 drills will take your concentration off the ball and put it on the target or the feel. With your eyes closed you forget about the ball and the target and just try not to move so you won't miss the ball. If you do these drill successfully, you will find that you have quieted your body and are now simply lettin the arms swing more freely. I hope this helps. In a lot of cases, I find that the stroke a person makes with his/her eyes closed is noticably smoother and more consistent.

Good luck.

Q: Shelly:
I need help with my putting. I don't know if I'm reading the greens correctly, but my ball seems to go right.

A: Le Ann K.H. Finger (South Florida Section):
Hi Shelly,

If you are consistently missing putts to the right, it could be from using a putter that is too long. Most putters come in 35" or 36" lengths and yet most women could benefit from a 32" to 34" putter. If your putter is too long, the toe of the putter could be up at address and impact, therefore causing you to hit to the right. I would suggest contacting your local PGA Professional who would be able to take you through a putter fitting to determine the proper length of the putter.

Another thought is to practice putting with a alignment aid to determine if you're lined up properly.

Good luck!

Q: pam:
Describe a pendulum putt ... this is something I've heard playing partners discuss and I'm not sure what they are really referring to.

A: Todd A. Sammons (South Florida Section):
A pendulum putt is one in which the putter is swinging from the shoulders. There should be no hinging of the hands or elbows. The hands and arms are an extension of the putter and are basically frozen in a pendulum stroke. The body is extremely quiet (hardly any movement). Hope this helps!