BIG PLAY

WHO: Ted Purdy

WHAT: 332-yard drive to set up the winning birdie

WHERE: Par-5 16th at Las Colinas

WHEN: Final round of the EDS Byron Nelson Championship

WHY: The great golf that Purdy played on Sunday didn't start with his swing. It began earlier with his classic, consistent address procedure, which never wavered under pressure. After standing behind the ball, Purdy would step into address and then maintain his spine angle while making final adjustments, giving him a deadeye look at the target.

Most amateurs stand up from address to check where they're aiming as they take a last look at the target (inset). But when you do that, you get an inaccurate picture of your alignment, because your eyes are no longer looking at the target. A better way is to address the ball, then simply turn your head--while maintaining your spine angle--and peek at the target. Doing that will keep your eyes, arms and the shaft on the same plane, and provide a truer perspective of where you're aiming.

Michael Hebron teaches at Smithtown (N.Y.) Landing Golf Club and is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher.

MIKE'S TIP

Take a Last Look From Address

... AND ANOTHER THING

"Tiger Woods's cut streak was mind-jarring, but his most amazing feat is still the four consecutive majors he won, from the 2000 U.S. Open through the 2001 Masters."

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ANDREW GOMBERT (BALLS, HEBRON 3)

JOHN BIEVER (BACKGROUND)

Don't stand to look.

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COURTESY OF CBS (PURDY)