"I have played and observed golf for over 40 years. All of the best players in the world hit it great. On average, though, they only hit between 12 and 14 greens in regulation, but they still manage to post great scores. This is because they can pitch, chip and putt. Great putting erases a lot of mistakes.

"To improve your putting there are three essentials: aim, centerness of contact, and, finally, the path of the putter. There are great aids to help with aiming (I like an alignment and aiming aid by Kirk Currie) but even a friend standing behind you can help with your aim. Practice keeping the face of the putter square to the target line and control your distance with the length of your stroke, not the pace. The importance of the short game can mean better scoring."

--Fred Gipp, PGA head professional, West Sayville Golf Course

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