PUTTING 491 



Putting. 



This is one of the most important and telling strokes 

 in the game, for a put of three inches is more valuable 

 than a 200 yards' drive. The long drive, although a 

 very satisfactory exploit in one's own estimation, is 

 often as much against a player as for him ; for when 

 after the first drive a player finds himself at a distance 

 from the green which is difficult to calculate, it requires 

 the skill of a professional, or a good player in constant 

 practice, to be able to use just exactly the strength 

 requisite to place the ball on the green. It may be 

 a three-quarter or half drive, and either is at times 

 difficult to judge ; but if there is any doubt as to which 

 club to use of two approach-irons, it is better, in order 

 to be on the safe side, to use that one which will send 

 the ball the farthest, if there is the least doubt regard- 

 ing the distance. 



In putting, it is absolutely necessary to be up, and 

 the metal putter is the better to use on a good green ; 

 but where the latter is at all rough, the wooden is 

 preferable, as with the former the ball hugs the green 

 and is more inclined to go down in the hole than jump 

 over it, as is the case when the wooden putter is 

 used. 



The best and the most effectual way to put straight 

 is to get used to the swing and weight of the putter, 

 held firmly with the fingers, the thumb being laid 

 along the club downwards, and not round it. The 

 swing should be practised like the pendulum of a clock 

 until the ball goes on a smooth ground over the exact 

 line which is desired, whether the practice be on a 

 carpet over a line placed upon it, or a line marked 



