When the pros have to lay up, they usually have a distance in mind for their next shot. They know exactly how far they hit all of their clubs, but especially their favorite wedge.

The average golfer is far different. Not only do they hit their favorite wedge a variety of distances with seemingly the same swing, but they seldom attempt to leave the ball a specific distance from the hole when laying up on par 5s.

For most, it's just a matter of trying to get as close as possible to the green. Often this lead into trouble.

One of the leading amateur players in my city is also one of the shortest hitters. He rarely drives the ball more than 250 yards even with a tailwind. However, he has mastered the 100 yard shot and often gets up and down from that distance.

When it is time for him to lay up, his target is the 100 yard marker. So is mine. Adjust that for pin position, of course.

So if you want to really improve your scoring, learn and master the 100 yard shot. Rather than working on your driver, hit your favorite wedge shooting for 100 yards each time.

To get a real feel for what 100 yards is, drop a ball or two on the 100 yard marker next time you are out on the course just hitting it around.

When you are 275 yards out on a par 5, leave that three wood in the bag and hit your 175 yard club trying to leave the ball at that magic number.

The same is true on short par 4s. If you are playing a hole that is 310 yards you only need to hit the ball 210 yards to leave your magic number. Leave the driver in the bag and take your long iron or hybrid.

The more you are able to do this, the better you get at leaving the ball at 100 yards and the better you will get at hitting it from 100 yards.

You will also find yourself avoiding a lot of the trouble that you have been hitting into. Getting the ball as close to the green as possible is not always the best strategy.

Master the 100 yard shot, and laying up to that distance. Before you know it you will find yourself at the 100 yard marker on a lot of holes with a confidence in the shot you never felt with any other shot.

You will also notice something else...smaller numbers on your scorecard.

Darell Mckissick is the author of the revolutionary putting book Target Putting. The site also has a free golf ebook library with several books available for download. You can visit his site at http://www.targetputting.com.