Phil Mickelson’s win at the Tour Championship this week provided a good example of one tip I often give my students about putting…keep your hands ahead of the ball!  By setting up with your hands a bit ahead of the ball, you will roll the ball a lot better, and more consistently, since you will keep from adding loft to the putter.  Try this out the next time you go to the practice green!

Scott Cole

Phil Mickelson put on quite a show at the Tour Championship on Sunday, overtaking nemesis Tiger Woods with a final round of 65 to win by three shots.  Mickelson attributes much of his success this week to a putting tip he received from Dave Stockton, who suggested using a forward press to get his hands ahead of the ball.  Having more confidence in his putting took the pressure off of his swing, and he was able to play the more free wheeling style that has carried him to most of his nearly 40 wins.  

So, will this carry over to 2010?  Can we expect Phil to challenge Tiger for player of the year honors in 2010?  Well, if his wife and mother recover from breast cancer, you can bet Phil will find some new life.  He actually had a solid year, with three wins on tour.  He hits the ball as far as anyone and has a fabulous short game.  In the majors, he tends to get in trouble when he thinks too much.  I think he will be a force in the majors next year! 

Scott Cole