The problem of gauging the force of the blow by the length of the backward swing is in itself a difficult one. The longer the put the longer the swing is practically axiomatic in golf, but facility in carrying this into effect is not easy to acquire. It is generally agreed that one should not rely on "muscular memory" in putting, and it is, therefore, with some amazement that one reads in Mrs. Ross's (formerly Miss May Hezlet) contribution to "The New Book of Golf," page 303, the following statement:

Miss Marion Hollins Finish of a long drive.

"The club head is taken back some distance even for short putts, and the length of the shot is regulated by the force with which the club is brought forward again. A putting stroke in this way differs from all other strokes in golf, as in driving and iron play the length of the shot is regulated by the distance back the club is taken, not by the pace of the swing."

If, as Mrs. Ross advises, the club head is taken back some distance for a short put it is certain that the descending swing must be very slow and gentle so that the ball shall not run too far. It is also certain that a slow and cautious swing will soon degenerate into a loose and wobbly one, and that proper control of the club and the ball will be gone. There is no reason why the putting stroke should differ in this respect from all other strokes in golf. The underlying principle is the same whether one has a driver or a putter in one's hand.

The judgment that is required to estimate correctly the amount of force necessary to carry a ball a certain distance comes only with long practice. It is essential not only that the distance be gauged, but also that the condition of the turf and level of the green be taken into consideration. The one warning that can be sounded is: "Always be up." If the ball is "up" or overruns the hole, it has a chance of dropping in, but a ball that is "short" is doomed from the beginning. Women, especially, are inclined to be over cautious in putting, and their fault is rather being too gentle than too strong. This is a failing that must resolutely be overcome at the very beginning. Firmness and determination are qualities that must be cultivated constantly by any woman who aspires to become a good putter. If a player finds that she is consistently falling short of the hole, it is a good plan to aim the ball at the farther side of the cup, or to a point six inches or so beyond.