Golf Tip: The par 3 tee shot

 
 
 

Since a tee shot on a par 3 is very similar to an approach shot on a par 4, it’s critical to master it, since it will stand you in good stead on other parts of the course. It’s like a two-for-the-price-of-one kind of skill.

Here, you can see that I’m on an elevated tee looking down at the hole. The first thing I do is engage in my pre-shot routine. I do some reconnaissance; I check the wind and soak in all the details I can — pin position, where the good “misses” are around the green. This is the most critical time in executing a good shot. I pay attention to me and what’s going on internally. If I’m at all uneasy, now’s the time to fix it, before I address the ball.

Mentally, you’re always either positive or negative on the golf course; there’s no neutral frame of mind. You need to get in a positive frame of mind and visualize what you want to happen with the shot. You should be able to close your eyes and visualize yourself executing the perfect shot.

I take a practice swing as I’m still standing behind the ball. Then, I re-focus and see the shot as I approach the ball, and I keep seeing it until the moment of the swing.

Set your club down, build your stance, waggle, see your target and pull the trigger.

Rob Akins is the Director of Instruction at Spring Creek Ranch in Collierville, Tenn.