Blog: Solid putting carries Tiger to his 69th TOUR win

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How do you win tournaments without your best swing? With your putter. Just ask Tiger.

What a scene this past weekend at Warwick Hills at the final Buick Open. With the economy impacting Michigan more than any other state, it was really extraordinary to see the huge galleries that came out and supported this half-century old tournament.

I must admit, it has been a bit strange at times watching Tiger Woods this year. He certainly isn't wowing anyone with stellar play from tee to green, but he continues to get the job done winning his fourth tournament of the year and now his 69th overall on the PGA TOUR.

Sunday in Detroit was just another example of Tiger holding onto the lead with really no one making a run to challenge the world's top player. With the huge crowds swarming around Tiger on Sunday, he overcame some loose shots with a very solid short game.

Listen to Travis Fulton

PGA TOUR Golf Academy's Travis Fulton breaks down the keys to Tiger Woods' win on the PGA TOUR Network (XM 146, SIRIUS 209). Click to listen

What Can We Learn
There is no question Tiger is struggling with his swing as he just continues to miss the ball to the right repeatedly with not only his driver, but now with his irons as well. It really is amazing with Tiger struggling with his swing like he is that he continues to win with a stroke average that is better than one full shot lower than the next best player on the PGA TOUR. There probably isn't another player on the planet that can win tournaments in this fashion, which is just another example of how Tiger's short game skills are almost inhuman at times.

One of the reasons Tiger continues to win, even without his best swing is his putting. At the Buick Open, Tiger never missed a putt inside of five feet over four days. Through his career, Tiger has always been a great putter and when he gets the flat stick working, he is not going to get beat.

To be solid inside five feet like Tiger you must learn to re-produce the proper "cadence" with your putting stroke. At the TOUR Academies, we break this cadence down into three simple steps: A -- B -- C.

"A" -- This represents the backstroke allowing the putter head to move slightly up and back. This natural arcing motion should occur as a result of a good set-up and the proper shoulder and arm motion. The length of backswing will be determined by the length of the putt and should be matched on the through stroke to the other side (B).

Usually, when golfers struggle with the backstroke it's because of something out of whack in their address position. At the TOUR Academies, we promote five alignments at address to help make the backswing a natural motion:

1. Forearms align with the putter shaft
2. Hands under the shoulder line
3. Eyes over too slightly inside of the ball
4. Weight centered on the middle of the feet (not favoring toes or heels)
5. Putter shaft vertical at (not leaning towards or away from the target).

When you have these five alignments at address it promotes the proper backstroke path similar to Tiger's.

"B" -- This represents the end point. Great putters like Tiger accelerate the putter head through impact and continue to a consistent end point. At the TOUR Academies, we recommend allowing the putter head to pass the line of sight and come to a complete stop at the end point before you begin to track the ball with your trail eye.

One of the most common errors is to move your head or entire body before the putter head comes to rest at the end point. Usually when golfers peak with their eyes they are trying to steer the putt rather than allowing the putter head to release from its own momentum back to the inside. This is an aspect of putting that Tiger and a lot of great putters talk about and it can build a tremendous amount of trust and confidence with short putts.

"C" -- Once the putter head comes to a complete stop at the end point and the ball is rolling along your chosen line, you can now look up and follow the ball until it stops. When you look it is best to swivel your head and track the ball with your trail eye. Try to stay in your posture as you rotate your head to watch the ball as this will encourage stability throughout the entire motion.

As I mentioned above, when players struggle with putting position "C" usually occurs before "B". This can become a serious problem when trying to make short putts and should be addressed so you too can be perfect just like Tiger inside of five feet.

Just Because
August is here and you know what that means -- football season is right around the corner. I am officially on the countdown with my calendar crossing each day off until opening day on September 13th. Training camp has opened and already the Seahawks are filling gaps as our starting left guard just recently decided to retire. After a 2008 season that saw every offensive lineman go down due to injury -- not a good start to the year. Maybe he will talk to Farve and consider coming back for the next six years.

There have been a lot of rumors that Michael Vick might be coming to Seattle. Not sure what I think about that -- maybe he can play left guard?

In addition to the actual NFL season you of course have Fantasy Football. I am not sure at times which season I take more seriously as winning or losing in Fantasy Football always seems to be an important part of my life in the fall and winter months. Nevertheless, I am really looking forward to both seasons as the NFL is almost here.