Missing putts? Try “Newton’s Nudge,” an easy drill that’ll tell if your putterface is square at contact — and if it isn’t, which direction it’s pointing.
To start, place a ball about 15 feet from a hole. Place a second ball directly in front of the first one, so they touch slightly. Now, make your stroke.
If the second ball squirms to the left, your face is closed; if it goes right, your face is open. Your goal is to strike the first ball and get both to roll straight.
Once you can do that, practice hitting putts to the hole. A good goal is to leave the first ball (the one at the front) so it stops 12 to 18 inches past the cup. Your only excuse now is a misread at address!
Joe Hallett is a GOLF Top 100 Teacher and the director of instruction at Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tenn.
