One method of putting

I used to be an in-and-outer on the greens, but I've been putting very well, I'd say, since adopting George Low's method. George is one of the greatest putters any of us have encountered, and since his method is simplicity itself, I'd like to pass it along to you.

The fact that underlies George's method is the necessity of keeping the face of the putter square to the hole (or to the point on a rolling green you are aiming at) throughout the stroke. The position of the left hand on the shaft is the key to achieving this. At address, with the club face square, the back of the left hand must set up so that it is absolutely square to the hole. When you take the club back, as the left wrist breaks, the back of the left hand remains square. On the forward stroke, you simply let the weight of the clubhead strike the ball, with the back of the left hand remaining square to the hole right through to the finish of the stroke. When the back of the left hand is square to the hole, the putter face is also square, because they are always at the same angle.

Let me point out again, since it is very important, that on the forward stroke you don't urge the blade on with a deliberate action of the hands. You just let the weight of the clubhead create its own speed. The ball will be struck true and will roll with perfect rotation. All in all, it's a method that enables you to keep your body motionless when you putt and, moreover, it develops touch.

AL BESSELINK, Grossinger, N.Y.

PHOTO

TWO ILLUSTRATIONS

The back of the left hand remains square to the line at address, on the downswing and on the follow-through

NEXT WEEK: Walter Burkemo on buried and half-buried lies