Day 2: Ball-Striking + Short Putts

DRILL: HOW TO TAKE PERFECT DIVOTS
Good iron players take divots that start after they strike the ball and extend out toward the target. Try this drill: Lay two tees pointing to the target as if they frame an imaginary ball at address. Practice swinging between this "tee gate," and eventually hit balls, making sure your divot starts between the two tees. —Brian Schorsten, a Golf Digest Best Young Teacher

DRILL: HOW TO HIT PUTTS ON LINE
Draw a thick line along the fold of a scorecard, set the card on the practice green with the line pointing at a hole, and place a ball just in front of the card. Address the ball and use the straight front edge of the card to square your putterface. Check that any alignment mark on your putterhead matches the line on the card. Now you're perfectly aimed. —Brian Schorsten

BONUS TIP
TOM WATSON: FIRST-TEE JITTERS
Watson suggests making your last warm-up swing on the range a rehearsal of the opening tee shot. He also says take a deep breath on the first tee and try Jack Nicklaus' longtime key: Complete the backswing.