When I play a round of golf, I always learn something or remind myself of what’s important. This is what came up today.

Swing. Don’t try to hit the ball hard. Just put a swing on it and take what you get. Trying to hit hard just ruins everything unless you are a very talented golfer and your name is Bryson.

Professionals golfers live on the center of the clubface. You can, too. Before you take the club away, say to yourself, “Center hit” and carry that thought with you. Uncanny how this works if you trust it.

Trying to reach every par 4 in two and every par 5 in three is sometimes too much, especially the par 4s. On those holes, back off. Plan the hole so you end up near the green in regulation for an easy pitch and maybe a putt, but no more than two. Trying too hard is what gets you doubles and triples.

When you’re close in, say 80 yards or under (you pick the distance), just get the ball on the green. A putting green is a huge target. Just hit that target so you can start putting.

Chunking or topping pitch shots? Odds are that your stroke is all arms, with no lower body movement. You have to turn your hips as you swing back, and turn your hips as you swing through.

If you have a really short putt, say two feet, that has break in it, ignore the break. Aim for the center of the hole and hit the ball hard enough (but no harder) that it runs straight through the break. Practice this before you try it on the course so that you see that it really is a better way.