A few years ago some MIT students combined their passion for golf along with their expertise in mathematics - they developed a simple equation to predict a golfer's score. It is very accurate the vast majority of the time. Here's the equation:

Score=
95- 2(GIR)

(GIR is Greens in Regulation)

How does this equation work?

If a player hits 10 GIR in a round - he is likely to shoot about 75

95- 2(GIR)
95-2x10
95-20=75

I use this equation to teach players the importance of hitting GIR - motivation to practice and improve - managing the course to this end -leads to better decision making on the course.

If you want to break 90 - learn to hit 3 GIR

If you want to break 80 - learn to hit 8 GIR

If you want to break 70 - learn to hit 13 GIR

I invite you to try this when you play - you'll be amazed how often it is correct and hopefully this will inspire you to do what it takes to hit more GIR when you play.

It's summer - time to play golf - focus your attention on putting the ball into the hole as fast as you can! That is after all the object of the game. If you are playing "golf swing" - STOP- and instead make sure that your focus shifts to being "external" - outwards onto the desired flight of your ball - where you want it to go- not "internal" on the "how to" swing thoughts.

The following are 5 keys that I reinforce with the athletes whom I coach to ensure that they are focused and committed to playing their best in competition - putting the ball into the hole as fast as they can. I hope that you find this helpful.

1. Breathe deeply throughout the round and especially in your pre-shot routine to get into a calm and relaxed state over the ball- avoid physical and mental tension as much as possible;

2. Follow a game plan that focuses on hitting as many Greens in Regulation as possible - don't try to hit shots that you don't have;

3. Hit tee shots into scoring position - hit clubs off the tee to get you into spots from which you can score - resist the temptation to hit your driver full out all around the course;

4. Take your medicine- recognize when you are out of position on the course -don't try high risk recovery shots -get back into play - save bogey or better and move on - accept your errors - don't exacerbate them;

5. Have a good attitude- encourage yourself - be your own best caddy. Stay upbeat throughout the round -enjoy the opportunity to play and compete.

I returned home with team late last night from Japan -jet lag is in full gear! It feels great to come home with a medal. I'm really proud of our team. They made an incredible comeback - biggest comeback ever in the history of the World Junior.

I just checked the final results from the Tar Heel Tour also known as the E-Golf Tour in North Carolina. A lot of golf fans are unaware of this tour - it is a very high level pro development tour with large fields - sometimes over 200 players and a lot of world class potential top talent ages 22- 26 who are transitioning out of the collegiate ranks into pro golf and also some players like Grant Waite who need a place to compete. The purses are significant - winner typically takes home about $34,000. This week's winner Tommy Biershenk- shot 26 under par! 13 Members and graduates of this tour are playing this week in the US Open in Pebble Beach.

Matt Hill- 09 NCAA Champ and Nicklaus Award Winner earned his 1st cheque as a pro - T29 - shot 12 under to make $2132.60. Congrats Matt!

To follow the Tar Heel Tour and check scores log onto-tarheeltour.com.