Here’s a simple tip that will lower your score immediately. Use the entire tee box! First, let me define what the tee box is. Draw a straight line from one tee marker to the other. That is the front of the tee box. The box is between the markers and up to two club lengths back from the markers. Ok? Ok.
Ok, so now what?
How do you use the tee to your advantage? Always tee up near the trouble! If you’re playing a par-3 with water left of the green, tee up as far left as possible. You don’t have to be inside the “tee box”; only your ball does. You’re automatically aiming away from the trouble by putting your ball left. The same goes for trouble on the right.
The quickest way to lower your score.
Hank Haney says the fastest way to lower your score is to get rid of penalty strokes, two chips, and three putts. This tip will help you with the first of those three things. Avoid hazards, trees, and bunkers, and give yourself the best chance for success.
Really?
You might doubt this will make much difference. Please do me a favor. Next time you play, take a good look down the fairway from the right side of the tee box and then the left. You will see a big difference in your perception of the hole and how you’d like to play it.
What’s the harm?
Give it a try. It may save you one or two strokes a round.