PICK THE PLACE: USE THE TEE BOX TO YOUR ADVANTAGE:
Coach Tom Howard, Paramus, New Jersey
REASON SECRET IS REVEALED:
Amateurs often don't set-up in the ideal place on the tee box that will help them hit the fairway.
CHANGE RECOMMENDED: For the golfer with a left to right ball flight, set-up on the far right side of the tee and aim to the left side of the fairway. This way the ball can curve the width of the fairway and still be in play as it lands on the right edge of the fairway. If you hit a straight shot, you will be on the left edge of the fairway. Both are in a good position.
For a right to left ball flight, you should do the opposite. Teeing up on the far left side and aiming right will give you the best angle.
If there is trouble a hazard or out-of-bounds on one side of the fairway that can also dictate your teeing position. You should set-up on the trouble side of the tee box and aim away from it. This set-up will require the worst possible ball flight in order to find the trouble.
OTHER FACTORS:
While approaching the tee box or waiting for others to hit, scope out the real estate around you. When your turn arrives, don't be shy about taking a moment to position yourself, because it's your drive that's on the line.
RESULTS TO ANTICIPATE:
Following these steps will have you hitting more fairways which trickles down to more birdie and par opportunities.
COMMON FALSE STARTS:
Most amateurs will always aim down the middle of the fairway. If they hit a straight drive, they are fine, but a chronic hook or slice will find trouble several times per round. As you improve shot mechanics through instruction and practice and alter ball flight as a result you can always pick a new place to start within the tee box.
