Watson's shortcuts: improve your scores by making an up-and-down game plan

Do you have a game plan for your next round of golf? Here's a suggestion: Set a goal for how many shots it takes you to get the ball in the hole around the greens. I'd be willing to wager your score will be lower with this goal in mind.

A good game plan for an average amateur would be to take three shots to hole out from 40 yards in. Never four. For an advanced player, the goal should be to get up and down in two shots more often than not. Getting up and down two times out of three is a good round of golf.

Scoring boils down to where you save the most strokes with your short shots. Practice your short game more than your long game.

Golf isn't just about hitting perfect shots--it's about recovery. That's why I recommend this game plan to you.

More Tips From Tom

Try to land the ball on the green with your short shots. This prevents bad bounces from longer, uneven fringe and rough turf.

Always spot where you want to land the ball. Aim there and let it run to the target. I've been practicing that way since I was a kid. It helped me develop a feel for distance.

When I was young, I was taught to follow through and finish high on sand shots. Unless you're faced with a short shot to a tight pin, that's still solid advice.

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