Big Play

WHO: Jos� Mar�a Olaz�bal

WHAT: Missed four-foot putt

WHERE: Par-3 16th hole at Torrey Pines South

WHEN: Second playoff hole at the Buick Invitational

WHY
Olaz�bal used to be the king of the short game, but is he still? In the last 12 months he's had two chances to win Tour events, and he's lost both by missing short putts in playoffs. Is age catching up with Ollie, who just turned 40? Does he have the yips? Perhaps he was simply intimidated by Phil Mickelson at the 2005 BellSouth and by Tiger Woods last week, but the next time Ollie is in the hunt, we'll all wonder whether his short-game magic is a thing of the past.

JOHN'S TIP
Eyes, Ball, Feet = Every Ball Falls

To putt well follow this routine, especially under pressure:

1) Eyes Set your eyes directly over the target line.
2) Ball Holding the putter with your dominant hand, aim the club at the target.
3) Feet Place your feet on a line two putter heads from the ball with your weight evenly distributed and the ball under the eye closest to the hole.
John Elliott, a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher, works at Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club.

�