Big Play

WHO
Davis Love III

WHAT
107-yard wedge to seven feet for the winning par

WHERE
485-yard par-4 17th hole at the Magnolia course

WHEN
Final round of the Children's Miracle Network Classic

WHY
Love has often underachieved, but he's as good as anybody when something lights his motivational burners. At the 1997 PGA, Love was inspired by the memory of his father, a famous instructor, and he won his only major. In danger of losing his Tour card, Love played six straight Fall Series events and enjoyed his best golf in years. Now a multimillionaire with a lifetime Tour exemption, he needs to find something to motivate him in 2009 and beyond.

JIM'S TIP
Stare Down Your Divot For Crisp Wedges

On short wedges, golfers often look up too early, causing them to hit weak shots to the right. To avoid peeking, focus your eyes on your divot until you finish the swing. Keeping your eyes down will help keep your body down and over the ball. It'll also help you hit the ball (not the turf) first.

Jim Murphy teaches at Sugar Creek Country Club in Sugar Land, Texas.

... AND ANOTHER THING

"Growing purses outside the U.S. will hurt the PGA Tour. As pros go abroad, fields will be weaker, so fan interest and TV ratings will dive."

GOLF MAGAZINE TOP 100 TEACHERS POLL

How do you feel about the state of golf in 2009?

Bearish 75%

Bullish 25%

"Golf is the ultimate therapy for stress in times of difficulty."
—CRAIG SHANKLAND, LPGA INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB

PHOTO

COURTESY OF GOLF CHANNEL (LOVE)

TWO PHOTOS

ERICK W. RASCO (BACKGROUND, MURPHY 2)

PHOTO

DON HAMMOND/DESIGN PICS/CORBIS (BEAR)