Tee it higher for distance: To achieve high launch angles without more backspin, and thus get more distance, tee the ball farther forward and much higher. Try to make contact with the ball on the upswing, just below the equator. A flatter, more around-your-body swing will promote consistent contact without popping the ball up.

Hold the club in the fingers: For the wrists to help in creating maximum power, the club should be held more in the fingers than the palms, just as a skier folds his poles in a racing position. The handle should run diagonally from the base of the left little finger to the crook of the left index finger. The right hand folds the club on a similar diagonal, the right index finger extended down the shaft to form a slight trigger.

Play within yourself: One key to shooting low numbers is understanding why you're capable of, and playing at a level just inside that boundary. Playing "comfortable" means avoiding high-risk shots in favor of safe ones. Swinging easy instead of hard. Playing shots that allow you to relax rather than to feel pressure. That way, you have more control, and you'll probably hit more shots solid.

How to cheat the wind: The key to the knockdown is to take more club and swing easy. Take a three-quarter back swing, keeping the club very low and wide on the takeaway. Keep the divot shallow and the hands low through impact. The result is a controlled, low-flying shot with less spin.

Shallow out your swing: Avoid picking up the club with the hands and limiting your shoulder turn. Instead, think low and wide on the takeaway. A wide arc translates into a full shoulder turn. Let your body, arms, hands and club head work together on the downswing. The result will be smaller, shallower divots. That's the key to solid contact- and spin and distance control.

Swing better with rhythm: On the takeaway, imagine that your arms are as loose and limber as an elephant's trunk. Just as an elephant moves its trunk by first moving its head, so should you upper torso initiate the backwards motion of the arms and club. This is also an effective image for the transition between back swing and downswing.

Slicing: Hooked-finger drill: This drill will give you a sense of where the club should be in the downswing. Put your left hand in its normal grip position. Then start your downswing while you hold back the shaft with your right index finger. You'll sense how it feels to delay your hand release, and you'll avoid rotating your chest too early.

Set up square on putts: Stand comfortably to the ball as you putt- not hunched over, not too tall, eyes over the ball, parallel to the target line. This makes it resier to square up the putter and keep it on line, producing consistent, solid contact.

When to shoot for the pin: Hitting a shot st the middle of the green usually is the smart play. However, you can't reach youe scoring potential if you're too safe. That's why you need a go-to club with which you can aim for the pin, even if it's near the edge of the green. For tour pros, the go-to club may be a middle iron; for a high-handicapper, it's probably a wedge.

Square up the lob wedge: When faced with a short shot to a tight pin or a green that runs away, you can open up your stance and the gace of your sand wedge and attempt a risky cut shot. Or you can simply use a lod wedge that lets you square your stance, your swing and your clubface and still hit a high, soft shot. Unless you're an exceptional shotmaker, don't try the sand-wedge flop shot. Instead, put a lob wedge in your bag.

Raise chin for clean contact: In fairway bunkers, take one to two clubs more than normal. Set up normally, with your feet slightly dug in for stability and the ball positioned more towaed the middle of your stance. Grip down on the club for control. Right before you start your backswing, lift your chin off your chest. That raises your center of gravity.