Think roll, not hit

The key to distance control is to roll the ball, not hit it.

To do this, take an open stance, your weight slightly favoring your left side and your putter shaft leaning toward the target.

The open stance makes it easier to feel the left hand going out and down the target line. The forward lean offsets the 4 degrees of loft it is recommend for a putter and helps the ball roll smoothly.

When you make the stroke, keep the putterhead low to the ground past impact. The putter will ascend slightly, but don’t try to hit up on the ball — whoever told you to do that was wrong, because it makes the ball hop.