When you walk up to a tee box, do you randomly place your tee into the ground or consider your situation and make the best of it? (Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com)

Use the tee box to your advantage for lower scores

By Kellie Stenzel, PGA,
Special Contributor

Kellie Stenzel a noted PGA Professional who has been a Golf For Women magazine Top 50 teacher since 1999, offers a golf tip for golfers hoping to improve their game with better driving off the tee.

When you walk up onto a tee box do you randomly place your tee into the ground or do you take into consideration your situation and make the best of it?

Use the following guidelines to help you lower your score by playing smarter.

1. Find a flat area Do not assume that all tee boxes are created equally. Some are better than others. Always be sure to find a flat area where you will be able to stand normally. Over time, tee boxes can become uneven. Why make your shot any more difficult than necessary?

2. Look for the best angle to your target When you place your tee into the ground, look for the most direct route to your target. If by walking to the far side of the tee box you can have an angle to your fairway or pin that does not require you to have to hit over any trouble - a bunker or water, for example - you should take the time and energy to do so. Be looking for the path of least resistance.

3. Tee off on the side of the trouble It may seem counter-intuitive but it is easier to aim away from the trouble if you are on that particular side. If you have out of bounds on the left, it can be helpful to tee off on the left side of the tee box and aim away.

By placing yourself on the side of the trouble it can give you a better angle to the safer side of the fairway as it can visually open up that direction to you and make it easier to aim well.

Next time you go to the golf course, take extra time and care to where you place your golf tee and ball into the ground. By following these three simple guidelines, you can play smarter - and therefore better.

April 10, 2007

- Kellie Stenzel, PGA, has been named by Golf Magazine as one of the Top 100 Teachers in America, and has been a Golf For Women Top 50 teacher since 1999. She has published three books: "The Women's Guide to Golf: A Handbook for Beginners," "The Women's Guide to Consistent Golf," and "The Women's Guide to Lower Scores." She is also rated by Golf Digest as one of the top teachers in New York.