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