Keep the ball in play. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, your first goal is to keep in play. Always select the club and the shot that gives you the best opportunity to use the least amount of strokes. If you are not hitting your driver well, use a three wood., a five wood or even a five iron. Unless your Tiger Woods, shorter and straighter is always better than longer wider.

Develop and stick to your pre-shot routine. To play well you need to have consistency. By consistently keeping with your pre-shot routine, you increase your odds of consistent play. This is the most important ingredient and the first step to consistent play. I have often been tempted to skip or modify my own pre-shot routine. During these times, when your not playing well and you have become frustrated and impatient, your pre-shot routine becomes even more important. Show me an inconsistent player and I will you show you a player with an inconsistent pre-shot routine, always and every time.

That magical marker at 150 yards. This is another big key in course management. My goal is to always play three or less shots from 150 yards and closer. If my tee shot has left me in a nasty predicament, the goal is to leave my next shot inside the 150 and in the fairway. Thats all I need. If I can hole out in three or less shots, I am looking at a bogey (On Par 4's) at worst and possibly a par save.

Many studies have revealed the average 20-30 handicap golfer takes 4 strokes to hole out from 150 yards. The average scratch golfer takes 2.5 strokes. Over 18 holes that