Golf Swing Rescue: Recovering from Difficult Shots

The game's all about recognizing what makes a tough shot and adjusting your swing. Diagnose difficult lies and salvage strokes by following this advice.

Long Iron from Deep Rough

You want loft to escape the grass without sacrificing distance. Set the ball back in your stance, take the club back steeply and strike down on the ball, not deep underneath. You'll create spin, which helps take your ball out of the rough.

Sidehill Downhill Putt

Put more weight on your leading foot and resist the urge to direct the ball with your clubface. Just pick a line and commit to it: Every putt is a straight putt. Place your feet in the direction of your line, not towards the hole, and follow through.

Short Chip from a Tight Lie

Bump-and-runs can sputter. High lobs can overshoot. So don't choke the club and scoop the ball. Use soft hands and hit the ball with a square face. This keeps the ball low - the safest bet. The faster you land it, the less work you'll need on the green.

Drive into the Wind

Don't hit the ball hard; that'll create spin, allowing the wind to catch it. Instead, tee the ball lower than usual and back in your stance. You'll produce a low, straight shot that bores through the wind. This shot is all about consistency, not power.

Screen-Side Bunker Shot

You can't be afraid to thump the sand. Swing hard and use the acceleration of the club to propel the ball towards the hole. Hit about 15cm behind the ball to create a tsunami of sand that will 'squeeze' the ball out.