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From the Pro: A good putting stroke includes a rocking motion
STORY TOOLS 
More from EntertainmentLine up a 15-foot putt. Stroke the ball and hold your finish. Where is the blade pointing? It should still be facing the hole. If the face is now pointing 10 degrees or more to the left of the hole, you need to work on your stroke.
Here's a drill that can help make your stroke better.
Lay your club on the ground parallel to your target and pick out a line 8-12 inches in front of your toes.
Now, bend at the waist and cross your arms and place your hands on your shoulders. Turn your shoulders like you are striking a putt. If your putter is typically 10 degrees or more to the left of the hole, I guarantee your elbows are rolling off the club as you turn your shoulders.
Now, instead of rolling your shoulders, try rocking them. If you rock your shoulders instead of rolling them, when you make your putting motion your elbows should stay on the club.
Pick up your putter. Take your grip, but now take your left elbow and point it toward the hole (Lou Graham won a U.S. Open with his elbow like this). Rock your shoulders and stroke the putt and again hold the finish. You should notice your putter face is now facing the hole.
If it makes it easier to rock your elbows by pointing both elbows out, do that. The key to getting comfortable with the rocking motion. If you rock instead of roll, your putting should become more consistent.
— Bob E. Smith is a PGA professional at Olivas Links and the head golf coach at Ventura College. He can be reached at 444-0333.
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