The tee shot is the best shot in golf. There are endless possibilities and no matter what happened the hole before, it is a new beginning. The tee shot is also critical because it can make or break a hole.

Three simple rules:

• Visualize the shot
• Easy tempo
• Alignment

Most of the tee shot is in the players head. Countless thoughts can ruin any golf shot. On the tee, some of those thoughts include the three putt on the last green, trees on the right, OB on the left, bunkers, etc. Clear the past and visualize what you are about to do. Get a feel for the hole and pick a target area you want to make your next shot from. Then, visualize that shot as you set up, including swing, follow though and landing.

With the advantages of today’s drivers, players, especially average ones, don’t have to do much work to hit a good shot. The drivers are very forgiving and players just have to make contact. Remember, don’t over swing. The view from the tee makes most want to just crush it. Just make a solid, even tempo swing.

A trick with many holes is the layout of the tee box. Tee boxes do not necessarily point directly down the center of the fairway. Part of your pre-shot routine should be alignment, even picking a tree or other land mark to help get your feet square.