Big Play With Tom Patri

WHO: Davis Love III

WHAT: Seven-iron to nine feet for birdie

WHERE: 442-yard par-4 14th hole at Forest Oaks

WHEN: Final round of the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro

Instead of sulking after a poor season during which he missed the Ryder Cup, Love retooled his swing and rejuvenated his attitude. So while the other contenders wilted on Sunday, Love knocked down flagsticks. It seems as if he used to halt his pivot and not release the club, which resulted in weak, blocked shots. Now he aggressively rotates his torso to release the club and keep it on plane, as he did on his sparkling approach at 14.

TOM's TIP
Swing Under a Dowel to Fix a Push

To correct weak shots that go right, try my dowel drill. Stick a four-foot dowel in the turf so the bottom is two inches outside the target line and six inches ahead of your lead foot. The dowel should mirror the angle of your club shaft at address. Hit half shots with a mid-iron, keeping your hands below the dowel. The club should not touch the dowel as you release the clubhead and swing up the inclined plane.

Patri teaches at the Health Club of Naples ( Fla.).

... AND ANOTHER THING

" Chip Beck is my comeback player of the year. He has gone from selling his house and hawking insurance to starring on the Champions tour."