But Arnold Palmer, one of the finest putters I have ever seen, keeps the head and body perfectly still on the putt.  He and other leading American golfers adopt a "knock-kneed" putting stance which helps greatly to keep the body motionless throughout the stroke.

  Another feature of Palmer's putting technique is the way in which the blade is kept low, both back from the ball and in the short follow-through in the course of which the club head is not allowed to pass the hands.

  Observing the fundamentals I have mentioned, you will find this style of putting simple and straightforward.  With feet not too wide apart and toes parallel to the line of putt, address the ball off the left toe.  The shoulders, too, will be parallel with the line, and I prefer the left arm to be clear of the body.  The right elbow settles snugly against the right hip.

  Take the putter-blade back on a slight hinge of the left wrist taking care to keep the back of the left hand square to the line.

The Putt.  The putter-blad and the hands have been brought into line at impact and retained in the short follow-through.

  Now the putt of even a few feet requires a delivery of the club head.  The secret of the return movement of the blade to the ball is to bring the blade and hands into one line at impact and retain it in the short follow-through as the right forearm just passes the spot where the ball was.

  Many players go wrong by failing to let the putter-blade catch up and come into line with the hands.  They push the left hand through too soon and the blade is turned off-line.  This is a failing to which too quick a backswing leads.

  Work on this timed delivery and see that you strike the ball a firm deliberate blow bringing the centre of the blade to the back centre of the ball.

  The Americans seek to reduce the mental strain of holing out by insisting that for every putt the player should concentrate on hitting it accurately along the first six inches of its path.  Get the line and note a spot six inches ahead of the ball along that line.  Then make certain of striking the ball so that it passes over that spot six inches away.  The simple theory is that the player can do no more. After that first six inches Providence takes over!

  I have observed that one way to build up confidence on the greens is to feel that you are striking the ball correctly.  Here is a novel exercise which will enable you to check on the accuracy of your striking and help in the development of a firm putting stroke.

  Place a new ball on a firm, even piece of carpet some three to four feet from the wall.  Against the wall place a solid block with a hard smooth surface, a heavy glass paper-weight or a smooth tiled hearth border will do, but ensure that it is at right-angles to the carpet.  Putt the ball against the paper-weight or whatever you have chosen, and if truly struck the ball will rebound and return to the centre of your putter-blade held in its follow-through position.

  Side-spin will cause the ball to rebound at an angle.  Back-spin will not give the ball sufficient impetus on the rebound to reach the putter-blade.

  Finally a check to satisfy yourself that your eyes are directly above the ball in address.  Hold the top of the shaft against the face between the eyes and it should hang directly above the ball if your head is properly positioned.

The Simple Swing

I guarantee you'll lengthen your drive and cut your handicap by 7-12 strokes in just 2 weeks.