Killer early-season golf tips from Sean Lanyi at TPC Las Vegas

As every golfer knows, the first few months of the season can be brutal on the ego. Sean Lanyi, head professional at TPC Las Vegas, has come up with a few golf tips to help build your confidence back steadily.

1. Arrive at the course early to allow enough time to stretch properly.

2. Create a warm-up game plan giving a blueprint of the shots to practice before tee off.

3. Follow the 20/20/20 rule. Set aside 20 minutes to practice putts, 20 minutes for greenside chip shots and bunker shots and 20 minutes for full swing shots with a wedge, 7 iron, 5 iron or driver.

4. When practicing, have numerous and different targets, use all the clubs in the bag and evaluate each shot’s ball flight and divot pattern.

Windy conditions can make a golf outing even more difficult when you’re still feeling a bit rusty. Lanyi offers these suggestions:

1. Focus on a balanced and easy swing.

2. Position more weight in the direction that the wind is blowing.

3. Make solid contact by using more club, positioning the golf ball to the center or back of center and slightly shortening the shaft by lowering your hands on the grip.