If part of your New Year's resolution included lowering the old handicap, do you have a plan for doing so or will Santa's magic holiday dust do the job?  Seriously, as with achieving any goal, consistently shooting better scores requires the creation, implementation, and execution of a well-designed plan. And I know you don't want to rely on happenstance and luck to achieve this important goal that ultimately comes down to beating your friends on the course.

Shoot Lower Scores: If you're serious and will commit at least one hour each week for six weeks to focused practice the following suggestions are guaranteed to put you on the path to lower scores. Thereafter, continuing the commitment and improving will be a personal choice. Always keep in mind that practice does not make perfect but rather "perfect practice makes perfect". Incorrect practice will only instill other bad habits and lead to higher scores.

First 2 Weeks: Putting is the best place to start because the putter is used most often and the feel you develop with it carries over to every other club. Before pulling out your putter I suggest reviewing my detailed articles on putting, particularly speed control and aiming, by clicking this link Archived Newsletters Speed determines the line and poor aiming speaks for itself, even with a sound stroke. Interestingly, you'll find that as your ability to aim improves your stroke will do the same.

Second 2 Weeks: Spend the first 15 minutes putting - yeah, I know, but it's sooo important. The balance of time should be spent on your short game - chipping and pitching, but as with putting, review my detailed articles on these facets of the game before starting. Chipping and pitching should be practiced from 30 yards out to various predetermined landing targets on the green. In the short game controlling the distance the ball flies is critical and a factor of your touch around the greens.

Third 2 Weeks: Dedicate 15 minutes each to putting and chipping with the balance of time devoted to your long game. Regardless of the club you use to practice your long game, work on establishing a consistent shot pattern to show where the good and misses land. This knowledge will enable you to favor the side of the fairway where your good shots tend to land and decrease the margin for error of a shot going OB or in the rough when hit to the other side. Fact is - great ball striking is not necessary to shoot lower scores, but intelligently managing it will minimize the consequences of errant shots and give you an easier pitch or chip to the hole.

Aftermath: You will now be in a position to assess the weakest parts of your game and focus more of the hour each week accordingly. It's important to continue dedicating some time each week to your short game because it will reduce strokes when the long game goes south... and believe me, it will from time to time.

Want Some Help? I know many people want to shoot lower scores but lack the time and know-how to seriously assess their game, determine the weak areas, design and implement a plan for solving them, then practice. I've developed a simple two-stage program that will eliminate the drudgework and immediately have you on the range practicing correctly. Here's how it works:

Stage 1 - 45 minutes

• Analyze your swing
• Determine your weaknesses
• Agree on a solution for your improvement
• Design your practice plan for success

Stage 2 - 45 minutes

• Implement the plan on the range so you know exactly how to perform each practice drill
• Make sure you are doing each drill correctly

The cost for the program is only $180 and can be purchased through the pro shop.

Take the first step towards shooting lower scores in 2011 by calling me at 602-330-4217 to schedule your appointment.

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