The rule of thumb when judging a break, and size of break, is to use plumb bobbing. Yes, that's a real word ( or words!)

First, you need to find your dominant eye. Make a circle with your thumb and forefinger, and with both eyes open, place an object in middle (i.e. a lamp, a flag, a picture, etc). Now alternately close left eye, and right. Whichever eye "keeps" object in middle is your dominant eye.

Now, take this to golf course. Line up your putter, hanging freely, behind your ball so that it matches up with flag pin. With your dominant eye open, you will see that ball is to left, right, or straight on. Straight on, no break. If to left, putt will generally break right to left. Conversely, it will break left to right if pin is to right. The distance between ball and pin/hole is GENERALLY amount of break.

This is not an exact science, but it will help you immensely if you can't read greens at all (like me).

A handy little gadget to practice your putting when you are not on course is a homemade putting tool. Rather than explain in detail, click here to see how $5.00 in hardware store parts will greatly enhance your putting, and how you can use it anywhere!!. It's a GREAT tool. (I would actually give it to you, but my purchase does not allow for free distribution. I believe it sells for $3 or $4.00

EYES WIDE SHUT

An great way in which to perfect your putting stroke is to practice with your eyes shut. This drill will shift your attention away from mechanics of stroke and force you to concentrate on feel. The urge to lift your head too soon to see where ball is going will vanish. The net result will be less anxiety on putts of all distances.

Practice this drill:

Hit a series of 10-foot putts with your eyes closed. Make sure you are settled in correctly. Then, simply concentrate on hitting putt solidly with an accelerating motion on forward stroke, utilizing an ultra-smooth stroke (see tip below on how to get that!)

Remember, goal is to two putt. One putting is icing on cake. Always think of a two foot perimeter around hole. If you are 15 feet or further away, try to sink in one, but ultimately, best course of action for a weekend golfer is to shoot within that two foot perimeter.

The secrets to judging speed and break

Fairway Bunkers

The fairway bunker shot can be an intimidating shot for many inexperienced golfers. For starters, when playing out of fairway bunkers, it is wise to take one to two clubs more than normal. Begin by setting up normally, with your feet slightly dug in for stability and ball positioned more toward middle of your stance. Next, grip down slightly on club for greater control.

Right before you begin your backswing, lift your chin off your chest. That raises your center of gravity and increases your ability to hit ball first, which is crucial in executing shot. Swing at 70 percent of your normal speed and there’s a good bet you’ll hit a clean, solid shot.

So, Hitting a shot from a fairway bunker poses no great problem if ball has a good lie. (Well, I am really just trying to build your confidence. I could say, you are in a bunker, you're score just went up three strokes!!!)