Do these things to perform better, play better, and shoot lower scores this year.

Long game: As in life, the perfect is the enemy of the good. Instead of chasing the perfect shot, work on eliminating the bad ones so all that are left are good ones.

Short game: Learn how to get the ball on the green with one shot. Down in four from under 100 yards is a big no-no. From greenside, learn how to chip close enough to get down in two 50% of the time.

Putting: Get real good at approach putting to eliminate three-putt greens.

Playing: Play only shots you can hit with confidence. If you get a bad break, play out of it safely in one shot rather than trying something heroic that leads to taking up two (or more) extra shots. Learn to how to handle differences in lie, wind, and uneven lies. Learn how to read a hole to know how it is supposed to be played—play with a plan.