Tip 32: Swing through the Ball, Not at It

Consistent, powerful swings usually have one thing in common--extension through the ball after hitting it. A good way you can learn to perfect this is to put a tee about eight inches in front of the ball you are hitting. Make an effort to hit not only the ball but also the tee. This will help to train you to swing through the ball, not at it.

Tip 33: Make a Smooth Transition

Many weekend golfers start their downswing with a tense, violent motion, ruining their chance of making solid contact. The top of the swing is a critical transition point and should quietly lead into a smooth downswing. Thinking "light and lazy" at the top is a good strategy to promote this feeling.

Tip 34: Remember, It's Just a Game

We all play golf to have fun. It's important to remember that. Yet, too often, we're anxious about performance. You can still try hard and concentrate on your swing, but just don't let the pursuit of perfection consume you. Otherwise, performance anxiety might hamper the freedom of your swing and spirit. Golf is just a game. In the bigger scheme of life, it doesn't matter much. Taking this attitude to the first tee allows your performance and comfort level to rise

Tip 35: Avoid Over Analysis Paralysis

All these tips don't mean a thing if you become too tense and analytical. Sure there's a strong desire to improve, but you've also got to be able to relax. After a practice session or even on the course, hit a percentage of your shots just being target oriented. This means just look at where you want the ball to go, think positively, and let it go. In other words, just grip the club and fire away!

Tip 36: Take It Back Low and Slow

Amateurs have a tendency to take the club back too quickly with the wrists. This reduces proper extension and gets the swing off plane. Here's a great drill to help you get the proper feel for the take-away. First, get into your normal address position, and then place or drop a ball behind your clubhead. As you initiate the backswing, roll the ball backward. Continue rolling the ball until it is well past your right foot (left foot for left-handed players). When doing this properly, you'll feel the opposite shoulder move under your chin. You'll also realize how straight the left arm (right arm for left-handed players) should be when taking then backswing.

Tip 37: Pass the Pole for More Distance

If you want maximum distance and consistency, use a proper weight shift. Imagine a pole coming vertically out of the ground where the ball is resting at address. Make it your goal to get your left shoulder behind the ball and the imaginary pole on the takeaway--without swaying the hips. This ensures a good position to initiate your downswing. On the follow-through, your right shoulder should move past the ball and imaginary pole. When you do this correctly, you not only make a good turn, but a good weight shift as well.

Tip 38: Improve Your Balance and Game

When you're having problems making good contact, it's often because you start to sway, lose balance, and stop turning. One of the best drills to help cure this problem is to hit balls with your feet about six inches apart. Start out by hitting shots with short swings. This drill promotes good footwork, balance, and a free swing with the arms. Also, it forces you to turn more; otherwise, you'll fall over! When you feel as though you're making good contact, increase the length of your swings.

Tip 39: Make a Steep Swing in the Sand

This drill helps you get a feel for taking the club back in a more upright plane out of the bunker. By taking the club back more abruptly, you increase your chances of getting under the ball properly and impacting the sand more precisely. Have a friend stand behind you in the sand and place a rake about two feet behind your ball--holding it in approximately a 45-degree angle. The goal here is to get you to swing up the rake handle and feel as though your plane is steeper than that of a normal swing. Take several swings like this and soon you'll hit high, soft shots from the bunker.

Tip 40: Remember the Practice Area

The practice area is the first place any pro golfer goes to before heading to the first tee in a tournament. You too should develop this routine. Remember, the practice area isn't a place to worry too much about how you're striking the ball. Instead, it's a place to warm up and loosen your muscles. When you're ready to hit, start with a wedge and work your way down the set to the driver. Eventually, finish with a few wedges. This promotes good tempo and feel, which are vital to striking the ball correctly. It can even prevent injury!