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Big Play

WHO
Marc Turnesa

WHAT
Eight-iron to 10 feet

WHERE
196-yard par-3 17th hole at TPC Summerlin

WHEN
Final round of the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

WHY
Turnesa reminds me of Payne Stewart. Like Stewart, Turnesa has a swing that is very long, generates seemingly effortless power and has a slow, flowing rhythm. Turnesa never looks rushed or forced, even walking between shots. Also like Stewart, Turnesa is a quick learner. Last month Turnesa splashed a shot to lose the Viking Classic. But under the gun on Sunday he calmly flushed his tee shot at 17, avoided the greenside water and drained the putt to seal his first victory.

MARK'S TIP
A Low, Slow Takeaway For Good Rhythm

Under pressure, you must control your rhythm. Try this drill: Address mid-iron shots with a second club lying on the turf so it points at the target and the end of the grip is just behind your clubhead. As you start your backswing, push the shaft of the club that's on the ground straight back with your clubhead as far as possible until the arc of your swing lifts the clubhead off the ground.

Mark Wood teaches at the Cornerstone Club in Montrose, Colo.

... AND ANOTHER THING

"Missing the better part of a year won't matter. Tiger Woods will be as great as ever when he comes back next season."

GOLF MAGAZINE TOP 100 TEACHERS POLL

Which presidential candidate would be better for golf?

John McCain 70%

Barack Obama 30%

"The middle-class golfer is being squeezed, and Obama will benefit that group."
—KEVIN WALKER, FUZION GOLF

PHOTO

COURTESY OF GOLF CHANNEL (TURNESA)

THREE PHOTOS

ERICK W. RASCO (BACKGROUND, WOOD 2)

PHOTO

ALEX BRANDON/AP (OBAMA/MCCAIN)