Drills to Improve Trouble Shots

Practice ugly lies on purpose

Do not spend every short-game session on perfect turf. Drop balls in light rough, down in a divot, on bare ground, and on slopes around the practice area. Learn how the ball comes out before a score is attached.

The three-exit drill

Place a ball behind a tree or range basket and create three exits:

1. Low: punch under a branch with a mid-iron.
2. Sideways: pitch safely to a wide target.
3. High: use loft only if the lie allows it.

Hit one ball to each exit. The drill teaches choice, not just technique.

Rough-distance calibration

From rough, hit wedges to three carry targets and notice how much roll changes. Grass between face and ball reduces spin; pretending otherwise leads to long, hot misses.

Course transfer

During casual rounds, play a second ball from one awkward lie per nine holes. Keep it quick, choose the safe option, and learn which escapes you trust.