Here are advanced tee shot strategies to help you hit smarter drives and set up better scoring opportunities:
1. Play to Your Strengths
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Know your natural ball flight (fade, draw, or straight) and aim accordingly.
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Don’t force a shape you aren’t comfortable with—work with what you have.
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If your miss is predictable (e.g., slight fade), aim away from trouble on that side.
2. Use Course Management
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Analyze the hole layout: hazards, bunkers, doglegs, and landing zones.
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Position for the next shot, not just maximum distance.
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On narrow holes, consider a 3-wood or hybrid for accuracy over distance.
3. Tee Height and Ball Position
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For driver: Ball should be half above the clubface when teed up for an upward strike.
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For fairway woods or hybrids: Lower tee for a more controlled strike.
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Position ball slightly forward in stance for driver, center for shorter clubs.
4. Wind and Elevation Adjustments
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Into the wind: Club down and swing smooth—don’t overswing.
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Downwind: Tee it higher, swing on an upward angle for more carry.
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Crosswind: Start ball on the side the wind will push it toward—don’t fight it aggressively.
5. Shot Shaping for Advantage
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Fade: Great for left-to-right doglegs and holding greens.
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Draw: Adds distance and works on right-to-left doglegs.
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Practice controlled curves, not big hooks or slices.
6. Target Smart, Not Aggressive
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Pick safe zones: fairway centers or areas that leave an open approach.
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If hazards guard one side, favor the opposite side—even if it means rough instead of water.
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On short par 4s, laying up can be the better play.
7. Mental Approach
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Commit 100% to your target and shot shape before swinging.
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Avoid last-second changes—they lead to big misses.
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Stick to a consistent pre-shot routine to reduce nerves.
8. Practice Pressure Situations
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Simulate tournament or match pressure on the range by:
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Setting a “fairway” with markers and tracking success.
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Playing “consequence games” where a miss has a penalty (push-ups, extra practice).
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