Many people miss short putts on the course because they lack confidence or become anxious when they stand over a three-footer. The drill shown in the picture will help you with both situations.

I call it the "Compass Drill" because you need to make putts from four different directions. Start with four balls about two feet from the hole as shown in the picture. The drill requires you to make ALL four putts in a row. If you miss one, you must start again. When you are successful from two feet, move your balls out to three feet and start again. If you can make it out to six feet and make all four in a row, you're pretty much ready to take on Tiger!

This drill really helps because you will make so many short putts as you do the drill several times, you will start to expect to make them. Secondly, it will help you deal with the pressure on the course by putting you under just a little bit of pressure while you practice. Any time you can make your practice seem real, it will help you perform on the course.

John Randle, Teaching Professional, GBC Golf Academy at Olympic View

Many golfers struggle with where to position the golf ball between their feet. The proper position for the ball will depend on which club you are using.

Golf clubs work best at different points in the swing arc. The bottom of your swing will ideally happen at a point roughly even with the inside of your front foot. The shorter clubs, like the wedges, work best when they strike the ball with a descending blow. For this reason, you should position the ball near the middle of your stance, well back from the bottom of the swing arc.

At the other end of the spectrum, the driver will work best when it strikes the ball just after the bottom of the swing, or slightly on the upswing. For this reason, you should position the ball near the instep of your front foot.

The picture shows good ball position for a wedge, 5-iron and 1-wood. These are general suggestions. The exact position of the ball should be customized based on your golf swing but most good golfers are pretty close to these guidelines.

John Randle, Teaching Professional, GBC Golf Academy at Olympic View