Big Play

Who: Sherri Steinhauer

What: 23-foot par putt from the rough

Where: 410-yard par-4 18th hole at Panther Creek Country Club

When: Final round of the State Farm Classic

Why

Switching to the long putter a few years ago saved Steinhauer 's career. Plagued by the yips, she plunged to 119th in earnings in 2003 but jumped back to 33rd in 2004. Last year her British Open title was the first major win by anybody--male or female--with a long putter. Steinhauer , 44, is picture perfect with the long wand, as she showed holing bombs at 17 and 18. Her left forearm is parallel to the ground; her right arm hangs long and soft; and, most important, her lower body is dead still while her shoulders rock back and forth.

An unstable lower body is the most common mistake made with a long putter. To maintain a firm foundation, practice while somebody or something keeps your lower body still. On a green, have a friend hold a shaft across your thighs. Off the green, lean against a bag rack. At home, practice with your thighs leaning against a table.

John Elliott teaches at Golden Ocala ( Fla. ) Golf & Equestrian Club.

...AND ANOTHER THING

"For me, the Fall Series will be infinitely more interesting than the FedEx Cup . One's about money; the other is about survival."