Take a tip from me 5-8 of the 12 simple golf solutions

5.A GENTLE SQUEEZE

Years ago, I remember reading a tip somewhere that equated the ideal grip pressure to that you would apply to a tube of toothpaste if you placed both hands on it and then squeezed gently to have it ooze out the end.

I love that imagery – and it's still a fantastic way of getting across the message.

I'm still waiting for my contract with Colgate to come through, but in the meantime, try this and get your grip pressure right.

6.TOSS OUT THE LONG IRONS

The fact that more and more tour players are ditching the long irons in favour of hybrids should tell you something. To all intents and purposes, the long iron is dead – I'm talking about the 2-, 3- and even 4-irons (the 1-iron became extinct years ago). This is not rocket science. Hybrids are easier to hit and they give you a higher and softer flight. A long iron is only good off a decent lie, whereas a hybrid is adaptable from virtually any type of lie. I was talking to a tour rep the other day and he told me that as many players on the main tour are making the switch as are on the Senior Tour. So do yourself a favour and get with the trend.

Adios: the advantage of the modern hybrid makes the long irons redundant – can you really afford not to change?

7.DON'T TEE THE BALL TOO HIGH ON A PAR-THREE

Tour players don't practice hitting iron shots off a tee on the range. That is why when they get to a par-three hole on the course they either tee the ball very low or do without apeg altogether and simply knockup a bit of turf. That way they guarantee a consistent strike in the lower part of the clubface. If you make the mistake of teeing the ball too high (left), you will be prone to striking the ball near the top of the clubface – with nothing but inconsistent results.

Perfect: leading edge flush with the bottom of the ball

8.HONE YOUR CHIPPING TECHNIQUE WITH THE LEFT HAND ONLY

Being too ‘handsy' in the short game is a killer and so here's another very simple idea that can help you to firm things up a bit. Practising chipping with the left hand helps you keep the left hand ahead of the clubhead and stop your ‘flipping' at the ball with the right hand. Take your wedge and simply experiment chipping with the left hand only. This immediately teaches you the value of working the club, hand and arm together for the slightly downward strike you are looking for. Repeat this for a few minutes then revert to a regular two-handed grip and you will be amazed at the improved feeling you have for these important shots.