Nick Watney nearly set a course record at Sawgrass 2011

Nick Watney led The Players Championship 2011 after the first round of play today with a blistering 64, eight under par. When someone is playing that well, their putting must be superlative. Indeed, Watson required only 23 putts for the 18 holes -- averaging 1.267 putts per hole. His average distance to the pin was 22 feet 11 inches. Quite a round of golf for Watson. Quite a demonstration of great putting.

What putter does Nick Watney use?

Nick used the Scotty Scotty Cameron Newport Tour Prototype. That is not suprising given that he is sponsored by Titleist, maker of the Scotty Cameron line of putters. What makes the Scotty Cameron line unique is the customizable nature of these putters.

For example -- the Scotty Cameron California line comes in 5 different styles, each with choices of 3 shaft lengths (33, 34 and 35 inches, and 3 weights (340, 350 and 360 grams) and different neck styles. The putters are stainless steel with two changeable circular weights -- one in the head, the other in the and toe of the putter blade. Scotty Cameron putters are not inexpensive, however.

The Newport line similary offers different styles, shart length and weights. They feature a single changeable weight behind the sweet spot.

Does a putter brand really matter?

Nick Watney, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson do not use identical putters. While Nick uses a Titleist (Scotty Cameron Tour), Tiger uses a Nike (Method 003) and Phil uses a Callaway (Odyssey White Hot XG). Each uses products by their sponsor. These are all top of the line putters using the best of today's golf technology.

How do you judge which putter is best? By the number of wins by tour players using different putters? Or are their wins attributable more to their skill and experience?

If you are satisfied with your putting don't change your putter. If you're not satisfied, maybe your putter is to blame -- but more likely, your putting style could use improvement or you need help in how to read putts more accurately.

If you require an average 2 putts per green -- that's 36 putts. A few 3-putt greens will move your average well above 2. Even so, many weekend golfers neglect their putting. They are comfortable with an old trusted putter they've used for years. They rarely practice their putting despite the fact that better putting is the easiest way to reduce their golf score.

Take advantage of great putting instruction from a team of professional golf instructors. When you are watching a golf tournament on TV or in person, watch closely the putting style of the top players. And practice!

Help is available to fix your golf swing -- including putting

Articles, instructional materials, DVDs, drills and more are available to assist you in every part of your golf game. Produced by seasoned golf instructors, they are designed for golfers just like you. Listen to their advice and tips. Practice, practice, practice -- and you will fix your golf swing -- including your putting.

Enjoy golf, have fun!