| Always going for broke can cost your strokes | | | | help you accelerate down and through the ball. |
| and inflate golf handicap. Still there are times when | | | | Escape through Trees |
| going for broke is called for-like when the club | | | | Ever try to make up for a bad shot only to dig |
| championship is on the line or you need a birdie to | | | | yourself deeper in a hole? Resist the temptation |
| break 70 or 80 for the first time. If your luck's | | | | to hit a miracle, after you've hit a bad shot, like |
| like mine, that's usually when you face a pretty | | | | hitting into the trees. Instead, focus on hitting the |
| tough shot. | | | | next shot well. And the shot after that. And the |
| The six shots described below are among the | | | | shot after that. Hit enough good shots and you'll |
| toughest going. They're extra difficult for amateur | | | | make up for the bad shot. |
| golfers who aren't accustomed to hitting shots | | | | When you find yourself in a clump of trees, resist |
| under pressure, especially for those with high golf | | | | the temptation to hit a miracle shot. Your goal is |
| handicaps. But using your head and following the | | | | to get out of the trees and put your ball back |
| advice given below will improve your chances of | | | | into play, even if it means hitting side ways. |
| making a successful shot. | | | | Examine your lie closely before hitting, then |
| Bunker Shot with Water Long | | | | choose your club based on the lie. Choose |
| This shot is among the hardest in golf. You need | | | | carefully. If you need to hit a 140-yard low |
| a really good lie; otherwise, play it safe and hit | | | | trajectory shot, don't play the ball back in your |
| toward the fat part of the green. If the lie is | | | | stance while using an 8-iron, hoping to keep it |
| good, however, go for it! Start with a full turn and | | | | down. Instead, use the 3-iron or the 4-iron and |
| don't be skittish about blasting out of the bunker. | | | | make a long chipping motion. You'll stay relaxed |
| Remember you're displacing a couple of pounds of | | | | and reduce the chances of a mis-hit. |
| sand, so you'll need plenty of momentum. Don't | | | | Long Fairway Bunker Shot |
| try to lift the ball, as some students do in their | | | | Long irons are probably the hardest clubs for |
| golf lessons. Instead, hit down and through into | | | | recreational golfers to hit, especially out of a |
| the sand a few inches behind the ball. | | | | bunker. Instead, try the comfort of a fairway |
| Cutting the Dogleg | | | | wood. The club's loft and wide sole helps the |
| I won't take a risk unless I'll gain a full shot in the | | | | clubhead slide through the sand, making the shot |
| process-a strategy I've discussed in my golf tips | | | | easier. In addition, make two small adjustments to |
| articles. So think before deciding. If the gives you | | | | your swing to encourage a descending arc on the |
| a chance to make the green in two on a par 5 or | | | | swing. Open the clubface slightly for a little extra |
| to drive the green on a short par-4, then don't | | | | bounce and play the ball back in your stance an |
| feel intimidated and go for the shot. Before hitting | | | | inch or two. Also, dig your toes not your heels |
| you need to know exactly how far to carry your | | | | into the sand. Take a normal swing and you'll |
| shot or your tee shot won't reach the fairway, | | | | make ball-first contact. |
| forcing you perhaps to take a penalty shot. Also, | | | | Greenside Lob Over a Bunker |
| stay relaxed with this shot. Waggle your club a | | | | This shot is my personal favorite. The lie |
| few times to relieve tension in your hands and | | | | determines how aggressive you can get with the |
| take several fast practice swings. You'll slow down | | | | shot. So take a close look. Try to get a sense of |
| when it comes time to tee off. | | | | how much grass is behind the ball and how much |
| Approach over Water | | | | air is underneath it. If the lie is tight, you won't be |
| If you're like the players who listened to my golf | | | | able to get the club under the ball. If it's its too |
| instruction sessions, you're probably terrified of | | | | fluffy, you might flub landing into the bunker. Make |
| water. Some years back a GOLF MAGAZINE | | | | a nearly full backswing and then drop the club to |
| survey of recreational golfers tabbed this shot | | | | the ball to pop it up. Keep the clubface pointing to |
| the most terrifying. If you miss you not only lose | | | | the sky and use a short follow-through. Keep |
| the ball, you add a penalty stroke to your score. | | | | your head stable and centered. |
| Here's how to hit it. Take several practice swings | | | | You probably won't face these shots more than a |
| until you've identified the shot, then step up to | | | | couple of times a year. But you can bet that |
| the ball and repeat the swing. Don't hesitate. It | | | | somewhere along the line, you'll have to hit one at |
| lets too many negative swing shots enter your | | | | crunch time in a round, match, or tournament. But |
| mind. Keep your posture steady, letting your | | | | if you keep your wits about you and commit |
| shoulder pull you through impact. Picture your belt | | | | yourself to the shot, you may be surprised how |
| buckle facing the target-a positive image that will | | | | many times you'll pull one off. |