The Perfect Putt - David Mathis Putts To Lead The Fedex Classic 2011

David Mathis performed excellent putting in the first round of the FedEx St. Jude Classic 2011. He needed only 25 putts to complete the round ending at a 5 under par 65. Together with a consistent driver hitting 79 percent of the fairways and his fine putting, David was able to make 6 birdies with only one bogie.

David's made these birdie putts today:

• 19-foot birdie putt on number 11
• 8-foot birdie on 13
• 8-foot birdie on 16
• 15-foot birdie on 2
• 13-foot birdie on 3
• 4-foot birdie on 5

Why was David's putting this good today? He attributed his excellent putting to being able to "straighten out his line" -- a tip he got from his golf coach. It proves that when you nail down the essentials of a perfect putt, good things happen.

For the average golfer, there is no easier way to lower your golf score than better putting. Think about it for a minute. You use your putter more than any other club. For regulation golf, par allows 2 putts per green. If you 3-putt or 4-putt holes, you can quickly ruin your score.

Aim and strike your putt precisely along the target line

The lesson learned from David Mathis' FedEx round today is -- aim your putt precisely at the target line.

After you have read your putt and considered all the variables that affect its roll into the hole, pick a definite target line. When you address the ball, hold the putter with the left hand and carefully place its sole flat on the ground behind the ball with the sweet spot of the putter face aimed squarely through the ball and along your target line.

Use the alignment mark on your putter to make sure your line is "straight" through the ball along the target line. This is exactly where the putter face should strike the ball. Now complete your grip, and sink that putt.

Follow trusted golf advice

Another lesson from David is to heed trusted golf advice. He listened to his coach and it paid off. Even the pros need help.

Where do you go for help with your putting?

Learn the key to perfect putting and shave strokes off your score. And for top-notch putting instruction online, check out excellent resources made available online by a team of expert golf instructors on every aspect of your golf game -- including putting. Trust their advice and fix your golf swing. Make the game of golf fun.

By the way, David Mathis is another professional golfer who credits his father with getting him started in the game of golf.