Improve Your Game

Just like real golf, players of Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 06 are constantly looking for that next tip, that one stratagem that will give them the winning edge they need, and just like real golf, new players can be overwhelmed by the subtle strategy required to master the sport. Use the following gameplay tips to give you a solid foundation to build on.

Pitch it Short
Chipping is precarious business when you're dealing with a glassy-surfaced downhill green. A bit too much power and you find yourself gliding yards past the hole.

Try switching to the flop shot if you're close to the hole and give it just short of a quarter swing. This pitches the ball up and gives it all the backspin it needs to stick right where it lands. Practice this shot, you'll thank me later.

Does your sponsor know you're wearing that?

Blown off Course
Wind can be a troubling thing on the golf course, but you can keep a few things in mind to lessen the trouble it gives you and even take advantage of it.

• Club Selection: Remember, the higher the club number the higher the ball pitches up into the air, so when dealing with strong winds, try moving "up" a club (the 4-iron to the 3-iron, for example) to trim down the time the wind has to affect your ball.
• At Your Back: Take advantage when the winds in your favor and blowing from behind you. Loft the ball up in the air to eke out a few extra yards on a drive.
• Extreme Wind: It's not a bad idea to attempt a punch shot when dealing with powerful gusts (press the X button to cycle through your shots). Think of this is as a power chip shot: it keeps the ball low and lets it roll much of the way to its intended distance.

That's more like it.

The Backswing
Just like real golf, much of your power comes from the length of your backswing in Tiger Woods 06. Experiment with three-quarter, one-quarter, and half backswings. You might find it easier to move up a club and use just a three-quarter backswing than swinging full out with a club that comes just short of your intended yardage. Put this skill to use when dealing with short yardage pitches and chips. It's a great skill to master and will serve you well.

Fine Tune the Putt
You find yourself putting in between your selected putting power often. For example, your putting power may be set to 20 feet with only a 16 foot putt ahead of you. One option is a shorter backswing so your putt doesn't send the ball skidding passed the hole. For small adjustments (less than three feet), use the right thumbstick to hit down on the ball (for a touch less power) or up on the ball (to give it a little extra boost).

This is especially handy when dealing with hilly putts. For an 18-foot uphill putt when you're utilizing 20 foot putting power, hit up on the ball to give it the extra oomph it needs to get up over the incline.

Long live the Golden Bear.

Gamebreaker Spots
New to this years game is the Gamebreaker feature. Play well consistently and slowly build up your Gamebreaker meter. Once full, activate your Gamebreaker (press the A button rapidly during your backswing) for an enormously effective shot.

Pick your moments, though. Don't just use it when you've got it. Gamebreaker shots are especially helpful in difficult circumstances. Use one to save yourself from a bad spot (a fairway sand trap or an approach shot from the rough), or even better, crack one open on the long second shot of a par five to give yourself a fighting chance at eagle.

Between Clubs
Many is the time you'll find the yardage you desire is somewhere between clubs. One will go several yards beyond the marker, while the next one down comes up a little short. Depending on the options selected, there are a couple solutions:

• Power Boost: If you're playing with the Power Boost option turned on, select the club that's just short of where you want to be, and put a bit of extra strength behind the swing (hit the white button repeatedly during your backswing).
• Without Power Boost: Those that deselect this feature are usually opting for a more simulated experience, and just like in real life, take the club that goes farther and give it a little less power on the backswing.

Golfing tips can go on and on. Heck, there are magazines that have been around for years devoted solely to the minutiae of the sport, but the preceding hints should help get you swinging on this digital version in no time.

Article by Alex McLain