Be honest: Where does your game need help?

Narrow your focus and seek out a trained eye

Working the plan: practicing by moonlight, under Hank Haney's eye.

By Tiger Woods
Edited By Pete McDaniel and Mark Soltau
Photo By Dom Furore September 2007

I refuse to let anyone outwork me. That's the reason I log so much time on the practice range. Besides, hard work is the only way to maintain a competitive edge, and I enjoy the process. The key, though, is to practice with a purpose.

My philosophy has always been to identify the weakest part of my game and focus on turning it into a strength. That approach will work for you, too. Make an honest assessment of your game, and determine where you're losing most of your strokes. Whether it's the driver, irons, wedges or putter, simplify your instruction to get better. Find a professional to help you identify your flaw and provide the correct instruction to fix it. Then tailor your practice sessions so most of your time is spent on improving that part of your game. That's the fastest way to get results.

More from Tiger >>

Tiger Woods writes instruction articles only for Golf Digest.

November 21, 2009

lesson tees

Butch Harmon
Butch Harmon
Add zip to iron shots with these swing thoughts
Jim Flick
Jim Flick
For more up-and-downs, 'see' the ball land and roll
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
Try my new driver cut shot on tight dogleg-rights
Tom Watson
Tom Watson
My favorite tips for uphill bunker shots
David Leadbetter
David Leadbetter
Grip down on short irons and pitching wedges

Tip plus videos

Tip plus videos
Videos designed to help you improve your golf game >

Swing sequences

Swing sequences
View full-motion swings of the world's best tour players >

Analyze Your Game

Want help with your game? Shot By Shot offers a free trial of its game analysis.
MORE INFO

Tip of the Day

If you shoot about 100, your best bet is to pitch out and set up your next shot (above). To … More

Rule of the Day

To speed play while playing a match in a club tournament, you and your opponent agree to concede all putts … More

Instructor Rankings

50 Greatest Teachers

Who are America's best instructors, as ranked by their peers? The names at the top are familiar to any serious student.

NEWSLETTERS

Golf Digest's newsletter
Golf World's newsletter
Subscribe today

Golf Digest

Subscribe >

Golf World

Visit Subscribe
2010 Pegboards
Give a Subscription to Golf Digest magazine as a Gift

Best Places to Play — Course Finder

Advertiser Events & Promotions

clubfitting
What equipment have you recently been fitted for: