Five Stark Lessons On How to Be Major

Maja continues, like us all, to get better every day. Here’s how she and her coach Joe Hallett work on each facet of her game (remember: change is good) to grind out victories.

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1. How to Make More Putts

Joe: Maja has a great pre-shot routine on the greens. She'll hold the ball in her right hand and picture herself rolling it to the hole. It's a great way to get a sense of distance as well as seeing how the ball will react once it starts rolling toward the hole. It's one thing to see the line—feeling it is what really pays off.

Maja: I do this either standing or in a crouched stance. What I think works best is if you do it in slow motion—perfect for setting the tempo for the upcoming stroke. During rounds, I only visualize this move, but on the practice green I do it: roll a ball to the hole with my dominant hand and then putt from the same spot. Your tempo can't help but improve.

2. How to Save Par Every Time

Joe: You're not going to hit every green. Here's where your short game can save you. Copy Maja. She uses a unique setup on finesse shots, as you see here (right). She sets her feet close together and drops her trail foot back, creating what you'd call a “closed” stance. Very few golfers do this, and even fewer professionals, but it automatically sets her up to deliver the club on the appropriate path.