Trouble
Shots
by Gregory Fields, PGA
Senior Teaching Professional
Kapalua Golf Academy
"Into the Wind"
Often when playing golf you'll be playing into the wind. Many golfers approach
playing wind shots incorrectly. When playing a shot into the wind your goal is
to hit the ball lower than usual and impart less backspin than your typical shot.
Facing a shot where you would hit an 8 iron without
wind, do the following: Choose a 7 iron; play the ball slightly back in your stance,
grip the club with less pressure; make only a 3/4 swing and set up with your hands
slightly ahead of the ball. As you swing, feel your hands ahead of the ball and
finish low.
"With the Wind"
When playing a shot with the wind you'll need to take the following things into
consideration: The ball will obviously fly further; it will tend to bounce further
once it hits the green; and fortunately, it will fly straighter.
Before selecting a club, see if there are bunkers in
front of the green. If not, plan to hit short of the green and let your ball bounce
to the hole, St. Andrews style. If you must clear a bunker, choose a club that
will comfortably clear it so you'll have a putt for birdie. Most golfers don't
hit enough club when playing a shot with the wind. Don't give in to the Superman
attitude. Stay in control.
"Deep Rough"
If you find yourself in deep rough don't be greedy. Ask yourself this question
before you select your club, "What would be the smartest shot for me to play?"
If you've decided you have very little chance to reach the
green, choose a more lofted club, play it slightly further back in your stance,
aim slightly left and firm up your grip pressure. Lay up well short of the green,
in the fairway, and you may end up with a bogey instead of a 7 or 8.
|