The fourth is that at the top of the swing the head is more nearly in the same position with reference to the shoulders as in addressing the ball and it relieves any stiffness and adds comfort to the position of the shoulders at this point.

The fifth is that it brings the eyes to the upper left hand corner of their orbit, and is the limit beyond which they cannot go even if anxiety to see where the ball is going should make the player want to look up. It is the best preventive measure I know.

If the player has a fixed determination in his mind that from the top of his swing until he reaches the ball he will see his ball clearly it will effectually cure him of the faults of "hitting too soon" and "looking up too soon," the two worst faults in golf, because they involve a missed or topped or sclaffed ball. Slicing is a fault which can be allowed for, but a missed or topped or sclaffed ball will effectually put you out of the running.

Fundamental in this matter of looking at the ball is its effect upon the confidence with which you play. Lack of confidence in golf is of many kinds, and it takes a long time to break oneself of the habit, for it is a habit. It is bred in the early stages and comes from sound causes, the chief of which is that you do not see the ball clearly.

Naturally when you swing you are trusting to a very large extent to good fortune in connecting with the ball. When your game is based upon any other foundation than that of seeing your ball clearly, practice may make you more hopeful, and it is well to be optimistic in golf, but your confidence will vanish in a flash if you swing with care and yet miss your shot in an important match.

On the other hand, if you have learned to keep your head still and look at the ball when you make your stroke, you will have. Developed a confidence in yourself, which is properly founded, and nothing that your opponent can bring oft will destroy your belief that you can match his shot and perhaps go him one better.