Minimizing wayward drives — tee shots that result in a penalty stroke or force a punch-out — is one of the biggest separators between golfers with low handicaps and high handicaps. The really good news? Keeping the ball in play doesn’t require a swing change. Oftentimes, it can be a simple matter of aiming smarter.

When a hazard is in play off the tee, like on the famed 18th hole at Pebble Beach (pictured), your primary goal should be avoiding a penalty stroke. Do that consistently and lower scores will follow. Here’s how.

1. Know your dispersion pattern. Every club has a range of possible outcomes from left to right — aka dispersion pattern. Understanding yours is critical when choosing a target. 

2. Aim away from trouble. Pick a target that keeps your entire dispersion pattern out of trouble areas — even the extreme ends. If your worst miss stays in play, you’ll take the big number out of play.

 3. Accept the rough. Avoiding a hazard may mean bringing the rough into play, but that’s okay. It’s far easier to make par from the rough than it is from water or trees.