Stay focused all the way through your shot.

For some, the game of golf is simply a great way to spend a pleasant day, enjoying a sport that's fun to play and is rich with tradition. For others, the goal is to play well and win often, and the thrill of competition is just as important as the game itself. If you belong to the second group, you should know that having a well planned overall game strategy is essential, and it could be the key to your success as a golfer.

John Creaney is a golf professional and the Director of Golf at Las Vegas Country Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here he offers some basic advice for finding your own personal golf strategy:

• Formulate strategy beforehand.
  If you want to play your best, it's important to know your golf strategy before you ever show up to tee off.
  
• Play your strengths.
  According to Creaney, your strategy for play should be customized to your particular abilities. Put another way, this simply means you should play to your strengths.
  
• Know your strengths.
  Of course, to play to your strengths, you have to know what they are, and this means practicing and playing. If you're a good irons player, give yourself the opportunity to hit irons by putting the ball in the fairway. If you're a good putter, find a way to put the ball in play so you'll have more opportunities for reaching the green.
  
• Play the course.
  It's also important to remember that, first and foremost, you are playing the golf course. Once you plan a strategy based on the specifics of the course, then you can begin to worry about your opponent.
  
• Focus, then relax.
  From the moment you step up with your club, says Creaney, you must be focused, and you must keep your focus all the way through your shot. As soon as the shot is over, you should relax.
  
• Think long term.
  Also remember that golf strategy isn't about one round of golf; it's about playing your best over the long term.

For more information about golf, golf strategy and golf equipment, check out the following websites:

The Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA)
www.pga.com

The United States Golf Association
www.usga.org

Golf Online
www.golfonline.com

Golf Digest
www.golfdigest.com

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