Big Play With Mark Wood

WHO: Michelle Wie

WHAT: Lipped out four-foot putt for par

WHERE: 387-yard par-4 16th hole at Bulle Rock

WHEN: Final round of the LPGA Championship

WHY
I disagree with the putting regimen David Leadbetter has prescribed for Michelle Wie (page G2). It's not wise to use two routines--one with a practice stroke for putts of 12 feet and longer, and one without a practice stroke for putts of less than 12 feet. Sameness is key in golf, especially on the greens. Having two routines creates doubt and can throw off your rhythm. With a single routine, Michelle probably wouldn't miss so many short putts, as she did at the U.S. Open qualifier and the LPGA Championship.

MARK'S TIP

Hit the Spot, Not the Hole on Short Putts

To drain short putts, narrow your focus by aiming at a tiny target on the edge of the hole (a blade of grass or a speck of dirt). To practice, put a small dot on top of a tee and stick the tee into the back edge of the cup (inset). Focus on the dot, then look at the ball and stroke it. The ball should rap the tee as it drops.

Mark Wood teaches at Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, N.J.

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