For a consistent, smooth putting stroke, the more reliable larger muscles in the shoulders and arms should be used rather than the smaller muscles in your hands.

Start developing a stroke using these muscles by checking your posture at address.

Make sure your knees are bent slightly while trying to keep your back as straight as possible. You will find this a more comfortable position than standing straight-legged with a rounded back.

This will also set your hands under your shoulders, and will also put your eyes in the ideal position directly over the target line – just as Luke Donald is doing here. This creates the best chance you have of keeping the putterface square to the hole from the takeaway through impact. This is a major reason why Donald leads the putting stats on the PGA Tour.

As you stand at address you should also feel that your weight is not on your toes or heels but on the balls of your feet.