I've noticed lately, whenever I seem to play with a pro, they always ask me how I got to that elusive master tier. It seems many believe that getting to that unthinkable master level is so difficult, it's almost impossible. Well it's not. I've been there. And I'm here to help. Now I might not be one of the best masters out there, but I've been here long enough to have a good general idea. Here are some tips that got me and other pros to that master level.
1) A key to getting to the master level is to purchase a different set of clubs. Yes you can reach the master level with the starter clubs, but it is extremely difficult. If you were to purchase a new set of clubs, I would recommend getting the Raptures. They give you an increase in distance and have very good forgiveness. You'll be able to mishit a shot and still get on the green or in the fairway.
2) Flop it out of the sand. I see so many pros hit that full shot out of the sand when they only have 15 yards to the flag. This becomes very difficult to judge and gave me headaches whenever I was in the sand. Just make sure to aim left of the flag. Flop shots always go right of your intended line. If you wish to see an example of what I mean go to http://www.wgt.com/user/Profile.aspx?UserID=63313 (my profile page), scroll down to replays and there should be one titled "Example of flop shot out of the sand". By the way, yes I did make the putt and yes I did intentionally put it in the bunker. :)
3) Learn where the good misses are on the course and what your miss is. Prepare yourself whenever thinking of approaching a green where you would want it to land in case of a mishit. For example: #17 at Kiawah is my nemesis hole. My miss is usually to the right so I aim a little left of where I want it to land and I make sure I have enough club to get it there. At worst I will end up in the bunker rather than the water and I'll still have a chance at par. This strategy is a must in order to get to that master level.
4) Read nivlac's putting guide. Just read it. It will help your putting game so much. http://wgt.com/forums/t/559.aspx
5) I would recommend against using the putter from the fringe or fairway (unless you're literally right at the edge of the fringe/green or if you're a putting wizard), and instead use the chip, pitch, or flop shots instead. Judging distance needed to putt from the fringe is tricky, particularly if you have a bit of fringe to putt through in order to make it to the green. The type of shot you choose to use from the fringe is dependent on how far you are away from the green and distance to pin. I exclusively use the pitch shot, but there are great players here who swear by the chip shot. I'd probably try it, but I am very effective with the pitch shot from inside of 20 yards so I've never really had a reason to use the chip shot. Of my 100+ holed approach shots, the vast majority have come using the pitch shot from around the green, and every pitch shot I take I expect to either come within 1 yard of the hole or, if I get a bit lucky, sink it. Iconian made a very nice tutorial which should help with your chipping/pitching:
http://www.wgt.com/forums/t/3009.aspx?PageIndex=1
Credit: marioh
6) Play the back 9 at Kiawah. At least for me, that's where the most birdie opportunities arise for me. Holes 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are all very easy holes to get birdies on and you might even get away with one on 12, 17, or 18. We all have are favorite 9 to score low on and this seems to be the best for me.
7) Be patient. You'll make it eventually. Play smart and you will.
These tips were merely what helped get me to that master tier. These are what I have recommended to other pros and I hope this helps so many. But, you must remember you are in a different league once you get to the master tier. You have to deal with the likes of tibbets, AvatarLee, and nivlac. They shoot day in and day out insanely low scores. I have struggled in the master tier because of them and hold no grudges. I wish they would come out with some tips. If anyone else has any tips they would like to share please post here, I will add them, and give you credit. Hit em straight!