THE BRITISH OPEN

ROYAL BIRKDALE
Southport, England
July 17-20, TNT, ABC

THE SHOT: Pinpoint putting from off the green.

Birkdale's links layout and firm greens make you putt from off the green, a skill that last year's winner Padraig Harrington has down to a science. This can save you strokes at your course, too, since it takes chunked chips out of play.

HOW TO DO IT: Put more weight on your left side, and play the ball back in your stance, closer to your right toe. This lets you hit down on the ball, which imparts backspin, helping the ball skip through the fringe or fairway. This shot is reliable, and you'll have no fear of hitting it fat, like you might with a wedge.