WHO: Tim
Herron
WHAT: 10-foot
birdie putt
WHERE: 382-yard
par-4 17th hole at Colonial Country Club
WHEN: Second
playoff hole at the Bank of America Colonial
WHY
Amateurs experiment only when they're desperate. Tour players like Herron
tinker every day, and the pros aren't afraid to use unorthodox techniques. Four
years ago Herron wanted a smoother roll, so after testing several grips and
stances he tried the claw grip and felt more balanced and square to the target.
He has used the claw ever since, draining putts as he did at 17 and 18 in
regulation and to clinch the win in OT.
STEVE'S TIP
Don't Be Afraid
To Experiment
Creativity breeds
success, so don't be afraid to try out new grips, putters and stances. Here are
two unique grips that I've learned from my students.
CLAW HAND LOW:
Like the left hand low, except that the left hand holds the club
claw-style.
CARL'S CLAW: Take
a standard grip and flip the left hand over. The left thumb rests on the butt
end, and there's a gap between the hands.

