Johnny Miller’s decades-old advice for avoiding penalty strokes off the tee is to favor your most reliable shot, aim at the safe part of the fairway, and keep the ball low when out-of-bounds or water is in play. When possible, shape the shot away from trouble so a miss is more likely to stay safe.

By the Numbers
  • Of four possible outcomes when shaping a shot away from trouble, Miller says only one—the ball curving too far toward the hazard—brings a penalty.
  • Miller’s guidance appeared in the September 1983 issue of GOLF Magazine.
Yes, But

The safest shot depends on a golfer’s reliable shape and the hazard’s location. If trouble is on the left and a player’s strongest shot is a slice, aiming left may still be necessary; Miller says golfers should learn to curve the ball both ways.

Bottom Line

Don’t chase a perfect drive under pressure. Choose the shot you trust, give yourself a broad safe target, and make your likely miss work away from the penalty area.