Golfing Tips

Set your putting alignment

BY TOM WATSON

Pay more attention to your practice strokes, and you'll make more putts. On my putts, once I've determined the break, I make my practice strokes a few inches inside the ball, lining up parallel to my intended line with my feet, hips and shoulders. Now, I can simply move straight into the ball with the same body orientation without adjusting.

Hold the line on chips

BY RICK SMITH

Poor chippers have two main faults: a bad setup and a wristy downstroke. To hit better chips, start with 70 percent of your weight on your front foot and the ball even with your left heel. Instead of trying to lift the ball with the club, keep in mind a straight line from the left arm and wrist through the shaft. Hold that line through the shot and you'll hit the ball crisply.

Hit the inside of the ball

MARK WINKLEY

The perfect swing path keeps the shaft pointing at the target line. Visualizing this is much easier when you have a big target, like a beach ball. With a wedge, practice hitting the inside half of the ball. You can even make a divot, just as with a regular swing. Good contact will make the ball pop into the air and fly straight.

Toss sand underhanded

BY RICK SMITH

One way to groove a feel for the move you need to make on a sand shot is to grab a handful of sand and take your regular stance. Make a smooth underhand toss and throw the sand out of the bunker with your palm facing skyward, body pivoting forward. This drill helps get all of the parts working smoothly and in order.

Don't get it close--make it

BY MARK WINKLEY

For a good player, a chip from a good lie just off the green should always have a chance to go in. Practice your setup and aim by placing a club down on the fringe on a line between you and the hole. Practice flying your chips just over the club, right on line. Finish with your club directly over the target line.