Hit Long, Think Short!

Consider the power you have to be a gift, but understand that harnessing it requires a more subtle startegy than just hit-it-and-find-it. To make sure your extra distance doesn't become a liability, try approaching your round the way a short hitter does: by thinking your way around the course, avoiding your nemesis shots and playing to your strengths.

DRIVE WITHOUT DOUBT

A straight hitter rarely worries about missing fairways. You shouldn't either, so hit each tee shot with a club that you can confortably keep in the short grass. On a wide-open par 4 it might be the driver, but don't hesitate to drop down to a fariway wood or long iron on thighter holes. Don't worry about losing your distance advantage; it means nothing if youo aren't confident that you can keep the ball in play.

PLAY FAVORITES

You probably hit a lot of 9-irons and wedges, but maybe the 7-iron feels most confortable in your hands. Create more situations where you can use your favorite club. Instead of hitting a fairway wood on a reachable par 5, use your favorite iron to position yourself for the third shot. Or hit your 3-wood off the tee so you can use the 7-iron for the approach. Remember, power is only one of the arrows in your quiver. Make sure you use them all.

JUMP ON OPPORTUNITIES

Playing smart deosn't necessarily mean being conservative. When opportunities to let out the shaft present themselves, consider the potential reward and go for it. Launch a drive over the trees to cut the corner on a dogleg or go for that reachable par 5 in two. A successful strategy early in the round builds the confidence that you'll need to make that hero shot happen during crunch time.