If you like to golf, you know there are few activities more relaxing than spending an afternoon on the fairway. However, for many leisure-seeking players, a day will come when you hope to not just enjoy yourself, but also excel at the game. If you’re hoping to improve your score quickly and easily, use the following golfing tips to your advantage.

How to Improve Your Golfing Score

1. Cut Down on Penalties

When the ball lands in a pond or a place you can’t spot, your score instantly suffers by one shot. This often happens when new players prioritize distance over the destination. Instead of focusing on how far you can hit the ball, try to keep it in play at all times. If you see a sand trap or out-of-bounds area, aim slightly in the opposite direction, even if the hole is straight ahead. Instead of focusing on the hole, shoot for the center of the green to avoid adding a point to your score.

2. Improve Your Short Shots

Many golfing enthusiasts emphasize their long shots, aiming to send them as far from the tee and as close to the hole as possible. When it comes to the less exciting short shots, skills suffer. Unfortunately, putts count against your score just as much as long drives. Keep your short shots on the green and try to sink all shots within six feet with one putt.

3. Know Yourself

While you might not be winning championships, you can improve your golfing game simply by knowing and respecting your strengths and weaknesses. To win more, follow the 70% rule — unless you can make a shot seven out of 10 times during practice, don’t do it during a game. Also, to maintain consistency between long drives, shoot for using 80% of your full swing intensity to increase accuracy.

If you love golfing but would like to see smaller numbers on the scorecard, head to Minnesota’s Hastings Golf Club & Events in Dakota and Washington counties. This 18-hole course is proud to offer a lush and challenging game filled with trees and sand traps. If you’re interested in improving your game, they also provide golfing instruction. To book a tee time, visit their website. Call (651) 437-4210 to ask about lessons.