Trouble shots
The Fundamentals of Trouble Shots
Learn the escape skills that turn bad positions into manageable scores.
First, diagnose the lie
Before choosing a heroic line, read the ball. Is it sitting down in rough, perched up, on pine straw, below your feet, above your feet, or trapped behind a trunk? Trouble-shot success depends on matching the swing to what the lie will allow.
The best players often look conservative from trouble because they are honest. They know which shots can be advanced and which ones simply need to return to grass.
The escape checklist
- Contact: can the club reach the back of the ball cleanly?
- Window: is there enough height and width to start the ball safely?
- Distance: how far must it carry to reach safety?
- Next shot: where does the easiest follow-up come from?
Rule of thumb: If the gap looks small while you are standing still, it will look smaller during the swing.
Choose the simplest club
A low 7-iron punch, a lofted wedge back to the fairway, or even a putter from hardpan can be the right play. The scorecard does not give style points for clipping leaves.