Big Play with T.J. Tomasi

WHO: Tiger Woods

WHAT: 30-foot chip-in for birdie

WHERE: Par-3 16th hole at Augusta National

WHEN: Final round of the Masters

WHY

Woods's chip--called a walking chip--was the best shot I've ever seen. His ball was against the edge of the rough, yet he had to hit it extra hard and perfectly clean to impart enough spin to make it stop. If the shot had been hit a hair thin or a little fat, it would've been a disaster. Just as impressive as the execution was Woods's imagination because he said that he'd never practiced that shot and had to invent it on the spot.

T.J.'S TIP

How to Hit a Chip Like Tiger's

Position the ball off your back foot and angle the shaft slightly forward to ensure a descending blow. Open the club face slightly (inset) to help create the spin needed to make the ball skip (a.k.a. walk) and then either stop dead or roll down a slope. Keep your weight over the left foot throughout the swing. Simply cock your wrists back and through and make a firm, crisp strike.

T.J. Tomasi teaches at Lyman Orchards Golf Club in Middlefield, Conn., and is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher.

... AND ANOTHER THING

"Trevor Immelman, the 25-year-old from South Africa who aced Augusta's 16th hole on Sunday and tied for fifth, is the best player you've never heard of."

TOP 100

TEACHERS POLL

Will Tiger Woods win another major this year?

Yes 65%

No 35%

" Not until next year. He had to work way too hard for this one. "

--NANCY QUARCELINO

NANCY QUARCELINO SCHOOL OF GOLF

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L TIELEMANS (WOODS, TOP)

THREE COLOR PHOTOS

ERICK W. RASCO (TOMASI, 3)

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CHRIS O'MEARA/AP (ELS)

HOT SHOT

Ernie Els is not considering a second career as a TV cameraman, but you don't get nicknamed the Big Easy unless you know how to relax. When the 13th tee backed up during the second round, Els found a seat on the tower behind the 12th green.

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JOHN BIEVER (WOODS, BOTTOM)