Are you having trouble controlling the distance on your putts? Are your putts both long and short? Putting problems usually occur when we try to help the ball into the hole. In putting, the fewer moving parts to your stroke the better. The following practice drill will help you develop a stroke that is controlled by the shoulders, thereby creating a simpler, more consistent, pendulum-type stroke.

1. Take your address position and place your palms together in a downward position. Focus on the triangle that is formed between your hands, arms, and shoulders.

2. Keeping your head and lower body perfectly still, rock your shoulders so that you can move the triangle smoothly back and through.

3. Create an under-and-up pendulum motion with your shoulders, where your chest stays square to the target line, as opposed to opening your body to the hole.

4. Feel that your left shoulder works down on the backswing and then up on the through swing. This will control the path of the putter-head and keep the putter on line through impact.

5. On the follow-through, particularly on the longer putts, allow your eyes to follow the line towards the target after you have completed your stroke. That enables your triangle to work correctly and thus allows you to follow the progress of the ball all the way to the hole without lifting your body out of position.

For more information, contact Sound Approach Golf Academy at 203-245-4142 or visit www.jonwilsongolf.com.