The post The 10 hardest bunker shots in golf (and how to hit them) appeared first on Golf.

The post The 10 hardest bunker shots in golf (and how to hit them) appeared first on Golf.

I wasn’t a very good bunker player in college. I didn’t understand what I was taught and didn’t get how my adjustments affected the shots. But once I started teaching, everything began to make more sense.

Once you start to understand how certain adjustments can affect the shot, playing out of a bunker will become easier for you, too.

Here are 10 different bunker shots with tips on how to hit them.

1. High lip

Bunker shots over a high lip can be intimidating, but as long as you use the proper technique they don’t have to be so scary. Start by taking a high-lofted wedge — preferably a 56 or 60 degree — and start with the face slightly open. Have the handle pointed toward your belly button and away from the target, which will increase loft and bounce. Take plenty of sand as you let the club glide beneath the ball, making sure you hold the finish.

2. Short

Short bunker shots can be tricky because while you need to swing hard enough to get the ball out, you don’t want to hit it too far. Set up with a high-lofted wedge and position the ball in the front of your stance. Open your clubface and allow the club to glide beneath the ball. Swinging slower will help with keeping the ball from coming out too hot, but you need to make sure you swing hard enough to at least get the ball out.

3. Buried lie

A buried lie is not easy, but if you adjust your expectations and approach you can be successful. Position the ball at the front of your stance and drop your front shoulder so your swing is more steep. Use the leading edge and hit down into the sand behind the ball. This should pop the ball up and out of the bunker.

4. Packed sand

Sand that is packed together is common, especially when the course has lots of moisture. The technique is much like what you use for a buried lie. You want to keep the clubhead from skipping off the sand and into the ball, so you must use the leading edge to dig behind the ball. This should produce a shot that reacts very similarly to a buried lie.

5. Downhill lie

Much like a downhill lie from the fairway, you need to match your shoulder plane to the slope at address. The downhill lie will naturally de-loft the club, so choose a high-lofted wedge. Once you adjust your setup and club choice, approach the shot like you would any other bunker shot.

6. Long

Long bunker shots aren’t easy, but they can be fun when you know how to approach them. Take a low-lofted wedge like a gap or pitching wedge, open the face swing your normal swing. You still want to take some sand behind the ball, but everything else will be fairly standard.

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7. Back of bunker

With the ball at the back of a bunker, you’ll need to carry the ball further to make sure you escape the sand. Use a similar technique to the one used for long bunker shots and make your main goal getting the ball out of the sand.

8. Lots of sand

When there’s lots of sand, it can be difficult to get the club through the bunker. To avoid this, you want to make adjustments to your swing so it isn’t so steep. Use a high-lofted wedge that can glide through the sand and use a more rounded backswing and follow through.

9. Ball below feet

Widen your stance as much as needed to help lower the bottom of your swing arc. Make sure to keep your posture throughout the swing, with a focus on staying low enough to get the clubhead underneath the ball.

10. Fairway bunker

Fairway bunker shots have a little different technique than greenside ones. Position the ball in the center of your sand and use a club with enogugh loft to clear the lip. Make your normal swing and try to make contact with the ball before the sand.

The post The 10 hardest bunker shots in golf (and how to hit them) appeared first on Golf.

The post This clever trick can help you dial in difficult wedge distance control appeared first on Golf.

The post This clever trick can help you dial in difficult wedge distance control appeared first on Golf.

Finding the right distance control on any golf shot is difficult, but wedge shots always tend to be a bit more tricky for amateurs to truly dial in.

If you take off too much, you’re likely to leave the shot short. Take off too little, and you risk either flying the green (or even skulling a shot if you get lazy with your swing mechanics).

Short Game

Since every player wants to parlay a great wedge shot into closer, more makable putts, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Kevin Sprecher provides a clever way to master distance control — and it includes using audible sounds to lock in your swing.

Take a look below at what Sprecher has to say, and why the trick to better wedge play might just be sound patterns.

The conundrum of distance control

With shorter distances like wedge shots, you often find yourself between clubs, requiring nuanced adjustments in swing length and tempo. Unfortunately, these adjustments can lead to inconsistency, as they heavily rely on your feel and touch.

An intermediate solution: The wedge clock system

According to Sprecher, this is where something called the wedge clock system can act as a solution for many amateurs.

“The wedge clock system makes shortening swings easier to understand, and more repeatable when playing or practicing.” he says. “It visualizes the partial swings as clock positions, with the arms mimicking the clock hands.

“When you swing backwards, you bring your arms back at specific times on the clock to achieve different ball distances. If you take them back to the 7:30 position, your ball should travel about half the distance of a full swing. At 9 o’clock, about 75%, and at 10:30, roughly 90%. This approach expands your arsenal by creating three more distances for each club.”

Why it’s an intermediate solution

Naturally, the wedge clock system is a great method because it’s relatable. Everyone knows what a clock looks like, so by using that method, golfers can visualize their club acting as the hands of the clock, moving between each number to improve their wedge distance control.

Adds Sprecher: “It’s clear and practical, yet it demands dedicated practice to engrain these distances into your muscle memory.

“Furthermore, it’s necessary to maintain a consistent rhythm and tempo when using this technique. Without proper training of these, you won’t get reliable results.”

The sonic solution: Audio Golf

For those players looking for an even more advanced way to think about wedge distance control, Sprecher says that using sound patterns is a great way to “incorporate rhythm and tempo by default.”

“By incorporating sound patterns into your swing [from Audio Golf], you automatically execute the precise distance intended for that pattern,” Sprecher adds. “The sound encapsulates both the backswing length and the corresponding rhythm and tempo, while also quieting distracting thoughts.”

The inventor of Audio Golf, music professor Chia Chou adds, “There is an incredibly strong connection between sound and movement. Once we give you a specific sound your body can’t really do anything else than execute the wanted movement.”

Putting

One example to try is the “ya-la-bam” sound.

Although this sound is designed for putting (seen in the video below), it demonstrates the concept.

Adds Sprecher, “During your backswing, think ‘ya-la’ to regulate its length. As you swing towards the ball, think ‘bam’ to control your tempo.

“The ratio of ‘ya-la’ to ‘bam determines the rhythm, which here follows the 2:1 rhythm commonly used by professionals, with the backswing lasting twice as long as the follow-through.

“You’ll observe that with this technique, your shots consistently land near each other at a distance of 10 to 15 feet without extensive practice.”

For wedges, the backswing principle is the same as with the “ya-la-bam” concept in putting — so you’ll have different sound patterns to dial in various distances. The sounds will block out distracting thoughts, so you’ll have the confidence to address your ball and play more consistently.

So if you’re looking to refine your distance control with your wedges, the wedge clock system is a great way to start. But for those players who want more immediate results, Sprecher says using sound patterns is worth a try.

“In mere minutes, you can achieve consistent and precise distance control, all thanks to the power of sound patterns,” he says.

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The post The ‘leaf rule’ and 5 other fall-golf guidelines every golfer should know appeared first on Golf.

The post The ‘leaf rule’ and 5 other fall-golf guidelines every golfer should know appeared first on Golf.

As I sit here typing, rain is pouring, wind is whipping, and I’m slowly seeing leaves drop to the ground — yep, it must be fall in Seattle.

For many parts of the country, this time of year brings lots of fun memories. But one of my favorite is the experience of fall golf, where you can see your breath upon arriving at the course, and the grassy dew releases a fresh scent into the air.

Instruction

Fall golf is also fun because it really challenges your skills and tests your patience, making sure you adapt your game to fit the conditions — or else your scorecard can go high in a hurry.

But to help you shoot as low as possible, it’s important to understand what rules to follow and what attire to wear, ensuring you’re both comfortable out on the course, and familiar with situations that no other season brings.

Here are 6 must-know tips before making your next tee time this fall.

1. What happens if your ball lands in a pile of leaves? Is there relief?

One obstruction that can really get in the way of shooting low during the autumn? Leaves.

Like other tricky obstacles such as brush, sand or dirt piles, every player knows they want to avoid these types of impediments — but during fall golf, it can be extremely tricky to know where piles of leaves actually are on the course.

That’s why something known as the leaf rule is important to understand.

So what does it actually constitute? Per the USGA:

“Since 2019, golfers are allowed to move those loose impediments anywhere on the golf course, including in a bunker or penalty area. If your ball moves while removing the loose impediment, it’s a one-stroke penalty and you must put the ball back… except if you’re on the putting green. In that case, just put the ball back where it was and play on without penalty. So feel free to move those leaves out of your way before making your next stroke, but do so carefully. And keep in mind that you can remove leaves, and other loose impediments, by any means. That could mean your hands, a towel, your hat – whatever you’ve got in your bag. Just don’t move the ball!”

While that’s helpful to know, always check with your course or tournament officials to make sure they allow the leaf rule.

2. How does aeration impact scores during a round of fall golf?

Similar to in spring golf, courses often aerate the greens in order to prep the turf for the fall and winter seasons. While the punctures and sand on the green can cause headaches, unfortunately, there’s no formal relief offered to players.

But some courses do allow relief to players when aerating greens, so it’s always important to ask before teeing off what the rules state.

Per the USGA: “Aeration holes are not considered ground under repair, so relief isn’t allowed. Like the so-called ‘leaf rule’, relief may be permitted if a Model Local Rule (E-4) is in effect.”

Putting

3. What qualifies as loose impediments?

So you’re playing on a course that has lots of branches, trees, leaves and other questionable items scattered around — but what are you and aren’t you allowed to move before hitting your shot?

That’s where the question about loose impediments comes into play.

What qualifies as such? According to the USGA, loose impediments are “unattached natural objects like stones, loose grass, leaves, branches, pine needles, or clumps of compacted soil (including aeration plugs).” Other types of loose impediments are “dead animals, worms, insects, or other similar animals that can be removed easily, and the mounds or webs they build (such as worm casts and ant hills), are also loose impediments.”

But be careful with just moving anything, because the USGA clearly states that “natural objects are not loose if they’re attached or growing, solidly embedded in the ground (that is, can’t be picked out easily), or sticking to the ball.”

While the rules state that you can remove certain loose impediments, always remember to do so without moving the ball. Should that happen, you’ll pick up a frustrating one-stroke penalty.

4. Is there relief for any course maintenance issues like tree removal?

Fall is the ideal time for crews to do a little maintenance on the course, which can mean removing trees or installing new irrigation systems. Should your ball find one of these projects, the rules allows free relief, since these are considered to be “ground under repair.”

5. How do I update my handicap during fall golf?

Since the fall means shorter days and less sunlight (in addition to unpredictable weather), it can be tricky to find the time to squeeze in a full 18 holes. Heck, even just playing a quick 9 can be difficult.

But your grind shouldn’t go to waste, so the USGA makes sure players can still update their handicaps.

So long as the golfer completes at least 7 holes, “the player can still post a 9-hole score,” the USGA says. If you’re able to get through 14 holes, an 18-hole score can be posted.

To properly update your handicap, the score for any unplayed holes is par plus any handicap strokes you receive based on your official golf handicap.

6. What’s the best attire or other recommendations to stay both warm and dry?

When it comes to playing golf in the fall, choosing the right attire can be tricky. You definitely want to make sure you wear something warm, but it’s also a wise move to pack something that can keep you dry (just in case Mother Nature decides she wants to drop some rain on you).

According to GOLF Top 100 Teacher Sarah Stone, she says it’s important to layer up without feeling too bulky — and to never overlook the importance of keeping your feet dry.

Shoes

“Layer up your clothes, but try to use thinner performance pieces that won’t be too bulky when you swing,” Stone suggests. “Perhaps choosing a vest to layer on top will make it easier to move as well.

“I also like to throw a pair of dry socks in a ziplock bag, just in case it rains. Wet feet are the worst.”

If you’re looking for some golf attire that’s both stylish and functional, don’t forget about the abundance of apparel options over on Fairway Jockey!

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The post The ‘leaf rule’ and 5 other fall-golf guidelines every golfer should know appeared first on Golf.

The post Struggle with speed on your lag putts? Try this appeared first on Golf.

The post Struggle with speed on your lag putts? Try this appeared first on Golf.

Why is that? Well, on average, the dispersion of your lag putts is larger front-to-back than it is left-to-right. If you can tighten your dispersion front-to-back, then you’ll have a much easier time getting the ball close to the hole from distance.

Putting the ball with the proper weight isn’t always a recreational player’s strength. Most golfers don’t practice lag putting near enough, and as a result their speed suffers. It might be a crucial element to becoming a great putter, but most golfers have no idea where to start when it comes to improving.

Check out the video below from GOLF Top 100 Teacher Michael Hunt for a great tip on how to improve your speed on lag putts.

“[Their struggles] have a lot to do with the backswing,” Hunt says. “I see them take their putter back and they don’t go back very far. And then they make the stroke and the ball comes up short.”

With this abbreviated backswing, it’s tough to get the correct speed. To combat this, Hunt suggests making a few practice swings with only your right hand on the grip.

“A good way to practice this, even on the golf course, is just to make some swings with just your right arm,” Hunt says. “This helps you lengthen out the stroke and can also help create great tempo in your stroke.”

If you’ve ever watched Tiger Woods on the practice green, this is a drill he does nearly every time he practices. Once you’ve done a few practice swings with just one hand on the club, address the ball with both hands on the grip and try to replicate that same tempo.

“That can help and improve your lag putting,” Hunt says.

The post Struggle with speed on your lag putts? Try this appeared first on Golf.

The post What’s the ‘right’ tee height for driver? It depends on 1 factor, says Top 100 Teacher appeared first on Golf.

The post What’s the ‘right’ tee height for driver? It depends on 1 factor, says Top 100 Teacher appeared first on Golf.

On the surface, it seems silly. But think about it from a high level, and it makes more sense. After all, every golfer should want to get answers in order to hit the ball on the sweet spot of the club, helping them gain both distance and accuracy.

Instruction

While there are lots of suggestions about what the tee height should be while using driver, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Trillium Rose goes about things a little bit differently in her tip — and it all comes down to just one factor.

According to Rose, tee height should be determined by your swing tendencies. So she provides a quick tip in the video below.

How to determine the tee height for your driver

Many golfers just assume that the tee height for driver should be high. Most of that comes from the well-known saying, “tee it high and let it fly” — but Rose says it’s time to get rid of that one-size-fits-all mentality.

Instead, Rose says that amateurs must better understand what their swing tendencies are. Once they do, only then can they figure out how high, medium or low the tee should go.

In the video, Rose demonstrates the three different tee heights.

If you’re a golfer who tends to hit down on the ball (which often leads to a poor result), teeing it lower will provide a better opportunity to hit the middle of the clubface. Tee it too high, and you risk popping the ball straight up into the air — which no golfer wants to do.

For those golfers who properly use lean and side tilt on their driver (which should be the goal of every player), Rose says you’ll want to use either a medium or higher tee height — since your swing path tends to be more on plane, allowing you to launch the ball at impact.

So the next time you practice hitting your driver at the range, go ahead and experiment with different tee heights to see which one works best for you. While you can’t instantly change your swing sequence to improve contact, you can set yourself up for better results by adapting your tee height to your current swing.

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The post Escape fried-egg bunker lies easily with these 3 keys from a Top 100 Teacher appeared first on Golf.

The post Escape fried-egg bunker lies easily with these 3 keys from a Top 100 Teacher appeared first on Golf.

Even worse than an average bunker shot? The dreaded fried egg.

When the ball descends on a steep angle and buries itself in its own divot, there’s little hope of getting the ball out of the bunker, let alone getting it close enough to save par.

Most golfers simply have no clue how to approach this shot. Fried-egg lies don’t come up too often, but when they do, it’s game over for a vast majority of players. They simply hack away at the sand, hoping they get lucky enough to dislodge the ball.

But for as daunting as fried-egg lies look, they aren’t nearly as difficult to escape as they seem — so long as you use the proper technique. Check out the video below from GOLF Top 100 Teacher Mike Bender for a quick rundown on how best to approach these tricky shots.

As you can see in the video above, Bender recommends a square stance and opening up the clubface of a 60-degree wedge as much as you can. In the backswing, you need to aggressively hinge the wrists up, which you then release aggressively during the downswing as you hit behind the ball. But instead of making a full follow through, you need to dig the clubhead into the sand.

“It kind of pops in the air,” Bender says. “Typically if I do that, I’m going to hit it softer than I would if I kept the face square.”

When executed correctly, the ball will pop up and out of the bunker, landing softly on the green. If you can add this shot to your short-game toolbox, you’ll no longer need to fear one of the trickiest shots in golf.

The post Escape fried-egg bunker lies easily with these 3 keys from a Top 100 Teacher appeared first on Golf.

The post Ball-striking issues? Do this to easily shallow the golf club for better contact appeared first on Golf.

The post Ball-striking issues? Do this to easily shallow the golf club for better contact appeared first on Golf.

If you’re like most golfers who are always looking to improve, you’ve likely heard the term “shallowing the club,” which is in reference to the club’s shaft motion in the downswing.

But just because you’ve heard the term doesn’t mean you actually know how to shallow the golf club — but it’s so important if you’re trying to hit more consistent golf shots.

Instruction

While there are many reasons why it’s necessary, the most important one is to allow the clubhead to essentially travel from behind the hand path — which greatly aids in consistent strikes.

Great ball-strikers always make sure that the clubhead (the center of mass) is trailing the hands during the transition from backswing to downswing. They remain in this structure until the club’s shaft is at least parallel to the ground as it approaches the ball.

A shallower shaft often aids in achieving these important positions.

How to shallow the golf club

Now, there are many ways to shallow the club. However, when I’m working with Tour professionals or observing pro players on the range, there are a lot of common traits.

The most common way that the best players in the world shallow it is by lengthening or straightening the trail arm in the downswing, all while keeping the trail wrist in extension (as shown below in the ProSENDR wrist cradle).

In my opinion, this is also the easiest way for the average golfer to achieve shallowing the golf club.

The vast majority of golfers can’t rotate like the pros — which typically includes aggressively laying down the shaft with a match up that creates a solid strike. Therefore, a much more achievable way to shallow the club is by lowering or straightening the right arm.

Most great players bend their trail arm to approximately 90 degrees at the top of their backswing, keeping that angle briefly in transition, then lengthening the arm and still maintaining the wrist condition.

Instruction

A good feel drill for this move would be to swing to the top of your backswing, then, while keeping your back to the target, lowering the arms to about waist high; all while maintaining the clubhead to trail the hands.

So if you want to learn how to shallow the golf club, work on these feels above, and you’ll slowly be on your way to better impact!

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Are you looking for a golf training mat to help your golf game? The Rukket Pathfinder Impact Mat was designed with input from professional golfers and golf teachers to help players of all abilities improve their game. The strike mat tracks club face alignment and helps ensure clean contact with the ball while the foam pylons can be used to keep your swing on plane. Use all four pylons to practice hitting straighter shots or remove pylons to practice hitting draw or fade shots. It’s the most versatile golf swing practice mat available and works with every club in your bag! Features 2-in-1 golf swing training mat combining the features of an impact mat / strike mat and a swing path trainer to help golfers quickly identify and correct common swing problems like hooks and slices. It’s a golf swing impact / strike mat to help identify and correct club face alignment. Use the “velvet” turf to ensure you’re making clean contact with the ball. It’s also a golf swing training aid to help with swing plane alignment. Use it to fix a slice or a hook, and to practice hitting draw and fade shots. What’s in the Box (1) Rukket Pathfinder Impact Mat (4) Foam Pylons (1) Instruction Booklet Product Specs 25in x 13in x 0.8in RUKKET FAIR PLAY GUARANTEE & LIFETIME WARRANTY: At Rukket Sports we know you came to win. We also understand that in order to win you need to train hard, so that’s why we’re proud to offer the Rukket Fair Play Guarantee & Lifetime Warranty for no-risk purchasing plus outstanding USA-based customer service!

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The post 10 chipping and pitching techniques to dial in your touch around the greens appeared first on Golf.

The post 10 chipping and pitching techniques to dial in your touch around the greens appeared first on Golf.

When a player has supreme touch while chipping and pitching around the greens, they give themselves more of an opportunity to shoot low scores.

Unfortunately, many amateurs lack the desire to practice their chipping and pitching, and often find it more fun to hit driver or long irons at the driving range — but it’s time to change your mentality!

To help improve your short game and get you closer to the pin, I provide 10 techniques below that will lead to better chipping and pitching. So take a look to see how to blow away your competition from around the putting surface.

Use these chipping and pitching techniques to improve your short game

Just a little bit of focused time and effort on chipping and pitching can save you so many strokes each round. It will also help you build and sustain confidence in yourself.

So start practicing by following my tips, which will remove pressure when you’re faced with a similar situation during a future round.

Divot Board

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Introducing the Divot Board, your ultimate golfing companion for immediate feedback and swing correction. This game-changing board reads your divots, providing real-time data on ball flight and helping you improve your technique. Experience the power of instant feedback and elevate your game with this portable and user-friendly device. Perfect for golfers of all levels. Get the Divot Board and take your golfing journey to new heights.

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The post 10 chipping and pitching techniques to dial in your touch around the greens appeared first on Golf.

The post 16 ways to master fall golf, according to our Top 100 Teachers appeared first on Golf.

The post 16 ways to master fall golf, according to our Top 100 Teachers appeared first on Golf.

In many parts of the country, the extreme summer heat is over and autumn is in the air.

You know what that means: leaf piles, pumpkin spice lattes and, yes, fall golf, which just so happens to be one of my favorite kinds of golf.

Shoes

But before booking a fall tee time, there are some tips you must know — especially if you live in a place like I do, Seattle, where it’s now darker in the morning (so long, pre-work tee times) and the grass is saturated anytime it rains.

To help prepare players for the fall season, I tapped a few GOLF Top 100 Teachers for guidance. So take a look below at what some of the top instructors in the sport had to say.

How does morning dew in the fall impact your game?

Brian Mogg (Chambers Bay Golf Course): “One of the big keys to fall golf is understanding how in morning, the dew and the temperatures play a large role compared to the afternoon when it’s usually warmer and dry. Morning dew will really hurt roll and distance, meaning players should generally add one more iron to the shot. The afternoon allows for drier, firmer conditions.”

Sarah Stone (Chevy Chase Club): “Dew affects the ball and club interaction. Any water between the ball and the club reduces friction, so this will impact the direction and launch of your shot.”

Joe Hallett (Vanderbilt Legends Club): “In the rough (and longer grass around the green), the moisture will still be there, so expect a flier while hitting your wedge shots.”

Kevin Weeks (Cog Hill GC): “You should be aware that your iron shots might not spin as much when there’s dew on the ground. As moisture gets between your clubface and the ball, it reduces friction, thus not creating as much spin on the ball as in warmer months.”

Jim Murphy (Sugar Creek CC): “The dew in the morning affects the putting more than anything, since the moisture on the greens will make putts a little slower until it evaporates. Therefore, you need to adjust your speed accordingly, and then adjust again as the dew evaporates.”

So, how best to prepare for cool, damp conditions?

Mogg: “Temperature data shows that, for every 10 degrees of change in the temp, there is a 2-yard differential in shots. As mornings are cooler now (in the 30s and 40s, and then rise to the 60s or 70s), there is a 6-8 yard difference from morning to later afternoon. Combine that with wearing sweaters/vests, there’s now a 10-yard potential for yardage change, depending on when you tee off.”

Stone: “Always wipe your ball off before teeing off, and, most importantly, wipe off your clubface before you hit your shot. I see too many players taking practice swings on a dewy tee box and then address their ball without wiping off the face!”

Hallett: “Exchange a longer iron for a hybrid for a better landing or approach angle on your shots; especially on colder morning greens where the ball will roll less.”

Murphy: “If you have options while making a tee time, afternoons are better because the weather is more consistent, and there are less factors to deal with on the course.”

What equipment changes should players make in the fall?

Mogg: “One of my observations is that most golfers club themselves to their summer numbers or their best shots, then don’t readjust during the year. As temps drop lower, a good idea is to play a softer compression ball.”

Stone: “Firmer conditions can affect short-game shots; especially when chipping. So I would encourage players to use the leading edge with a lofted club to help create some turf interaction. Using the bounce on firm surfaces can create some bladed shots.”

Rules

Weeks: “A new pair of waterproof shoes is a good idea. Also, colored golf balls can help players find their ball in the leaves much easier, and adding a pair of rain gloves to the bag to help keep your hands warm and dry is also a must.”

Murphy: “When golfing in fall, the ground is firmer and the grass tends to be a little tighter, so I suggest playing a ball that spins a little more for control into the greens. Also, if you’re between a long iron and hybrid, I recommend using the hybrid, which can help you hit it a little higher and land it softer on your approach shots.”

How about course management? Any tips for the fall?

Stone: “I would suggest hitting a club shorter in to let it bounce up on the green, so spend some time putting uphill and downhill to feel the speed changing. And with the thicker rough in the fall, grab your most lofted club and get your ball back into the fairway.”

Weeks: “Be aware of the wind and how conditions are changing. Also, after the first frost, the greens tend to dry out and are firmer, so players should always allow for more roll on the putting surfaces.”

Murphy: “When playing golf in fall, some of the elements tend to make the game a little gentler on the golfer. For example, the rough is usually not as long as it is during the summer season, so driving it into the fairway isn’t as important. During hotter months, the ground tends to be a little bit firmer and tighter, as there is usually less rain, so your ball will run a little farther. Also, here in Texas during the fall, there tends to be less wind, so the course plays slightly easier because of this.”

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The post Stuck under a tree? Use these steps to escape trouble and save strokes appeared first on Golf.

The post Stuck under a tree? Use these steps to escape trouble and save strokes appeared first on Golf.

Obviously, having any shot with a tree obstructing you is a bad look. But, sadly, as I’ve continued to battle inconsistencies hitting my driver, I’ve found myself in this situation more than I’d prefer.

Instruction

The good news? I know exactly what club and swing to use to escape with a decent shot. The bad news? No matter how good you get at punching out, you’d still prefer not to have to. That’s why I continue to play bogey golf.

Many amateurs can probably relate to this very situation out on the golf course. To help understand exactly how to approach escaping the trees without hitting a branch or trunk, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Lou Guzzi shares his five must-know tips.

Follow these 5 steps to hit a perfect shot underneath trees

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The post Stuck under a tree? Use these steps to escape trouble and save strokes appeared first on Golf.