Stop Giving Away Shots

Ways to tighten up your game from tee to green. by hank haney

T he difference between a good round and a bad one is how well you avoid the three biggest shot-wasters in golf: (1) Penalty strokes when hitting longer clubs; (2) Needing two shortgame shots to get the ball on the green; (3) Three-putting. To avoid these mistakes, I’ll first get your chipping and pitching sorted out. When you’re in close, you’ve got to get the ball on the green—anywhere on the green—with your first attempt. That’s why you need basic, reliable low and high shots. I’ll teach you how to execute both. Next, you’ve got to keep your full-swing shots—especially tee balls—in play. You can do that with a simple drill to eliminate the dreaded slice when you get back on the course. Finally, putting is an area where almost anybody can improve with a little attention to detail. I’ll give you a way to learn how to make the right-size stroke for each putt, which will leave you near the hole if you miss your first. Think how many strokes that will save you.