Trouble shots
Common Trouble Shots Mistakes and Simple Fixes
Avoid the choices that turn recovery into damage control.
The costly mistake is denial
Most bad trouble shots begin with a player pretending the lie is better than it is. Deep rough will not produce tour-level spin. A downhill lie will not launch high without help. A ball against a tree root is not asking for full speed.
| Trouble | Risky instinct | Smarter response |
|---|---|---|
| Trees ahead | Thread the narrow gap | Pitch to the widest opening |
| Thick rough | Sweep a fairway wood | Use loft and accept less distance |
| Ball below feet | Swing full at the pin | Aim left and stay balanced |
| Firm hardpan | Hit down steeply | Pick it cleaner with less wrist |
Fix the decision first
Pick the shot that leaves a clear next swing. That might mean sideways, backward, or short of the green. Once the decision is sensible, commit fully; tentative recovery swings are how doubles become triples.
Small technique adjustments
Choke down for control. Widen your stance on slopes. Shorten the backswing when the lie is uncertain. Keep the finish lower for punch shots and higher only when the lie genuinely supports loft.