Tee shots
Common Tee Shots Mistakes and Simple Fixes
Replace panic swings and vague targets with decisions that keep the ball in play.
The usual traps
Tee boxes invite ego. Players aim straight at water because they hope to curve it, swing harder after a bad hole, or tee the ball the same height no matter what shot they want. The result is often a reload, a chip-out, or an approach from a bad angle.
| Mistake | Why it hurts | Simple fix |
|---|---|---|
| Aiming at trouble | The normal miss has no room | Aim at the safe edge and curve away from danger |
| Swinging at 110% | Face control disappears | Use a “fairway finder” tempo |
| Same club every hole | Ignores width and hazards | Pick club by landing area |
| No intermediate target | Alignment drifts | Choose a mark a few feet ahead |
A better pre-shot question
Ask, “Where can this shot finish and still be fine?” That question calms the decision. It also keeps you from planning around the one drive you hit perfectly last month.
Quick setup checks
With driver, let the ball sit forward, tilt slightly away from the target, and make room for an upward strike. With a fairway wood or hybrid, tee it lower and feel more sweep than smash.