If you’re like most golfers I know you’re always looking for more distance off the tee. From trying the latest driver or ball to working out in the gym there isn’t much you won’t do to add 10-15 yards to your drives.

But…is it really worth it?

At the end of a round there’s really only one thing that matters – your score. While blasting the long ball can be fun it can also get you in a lot of trouble. If you want to shoot lower scores you’ve got to switch your number one objective off the tee from distance to accuracy. Specifically you need to focus on hitting the fairway.

Here are a few tips that will help:

Choke down. Most of today’s tour players are using drivers that are an inch or more shorter than those that you buy off the rack in your local pro shop. While this extra length can give your drives a power boost it can also make them harder to control. To solve this problem try choking down on your driver about an inch. This may feel a bit awkward at first but after you get the hang of it you’ll find your driver much easier to control. As you gain more control, you can start to slowly move back further on the grip.

Shorten your backswing. Taking a big backswing might look like a good way to develop power, but it can also spell disaster when it comes to your accuracy. If your shaft is past parallel with the ground it’s time to dial it back. This is why most of today’s top players focus on the rotation they are creating in their hips and shoulders instead of how far back they are taking the club. They know that both power AND accuracy are both created by the controlled rotation of the big muscles in their body like their core and their glutes. Not by the quick jerky action of the hands or arms.

Next time you step onto the tee box keep these tips in mind and you’ll be well on your way to hitting more fairways and shooting lower scores!