The 10 Pace Rule

photo credit: Tom Purves   There are far too many golfers that are way too aggressive when their ball is in the rough.  The 10 pace rule should be applied every time you find your ball in deep grass. 

As a general rule, if you cannot see the ball from 10 paces, you should think about pitching the ball safely on to the fairway, where you can regain complete control of your game.  The purpose of the 10 pace rule is to reduce your chances of making a high score on the hole.  The real problem occurs when the decision is made to go with a longer club which vastly increases the chance of a mis-hit.  Doing so means you might end up in a worse lie than where you started.

The “Toe Poke” Shot

photo credit: Hussain Khorsheed   Another way to play a shot when the ball is resting on the collar of the green’s apron, is to use the “Toe Poke.”  Try the following technique:

1)  Use your putter for this shot.  2)  Hold your club so that the toe end of the club is hovering behind the ball and at it’s center-line.  The toe of the club should also be pointed towards the hole.  3)  Make a short, stabbing stroke which strikes the ball at it’s center.  The putter’s toe will cut through the grass and the ball should pop slightly in the air and continue on towards the hole. 

This shot is best tried with putters that have flat ends and at distances no more than 15 to 18 ft.

The Bump and Run Shot #1

photo credit: TheTruthAbout…   The technique used for the bump and run shot is the same whether it’s a close or a distant shot.  The stance is narrow and open with the feet, hips and shoulders aimed left of the target.  The club angle at address should be forward to assure a descending clubface angle through the impact zone.  Swing with the arms while holding the wrists quite firm.  Swing easy with your head remaining motionless to prevent a skull-shot (hitting the ball above center).

This shot requires much practice using various clubs to learn the distance and carry of each club.  Try sticking with one or two clubs in order to get used to their performance with this shot.  Vary the distance by taking longer or shorter swings.

Rescue With the Putter

photo credit: Amit Chattopadhyay   Most golfers forget that the putter is an excellent rescue club for situations when an iron or metal-wood cannot be used.  the putter should be used when a full swing cannot be made such as below a bush or among thick branches.  Usually, a player will take out an iron and try to hit a half hearted, punch-shot instead of using a putter.

In the address position, spread your feet an extra 12 in. apart and play the ball in the middle of your stance.  Grip down on the club and bend at the waist.  Swing hard with your arms and hands and concentrate on hitting the back of the ball squarely.  The putter is a useful rescue club that can keep you from taking penalty strokes.

Perched Lie

photo credit: jerik0ne   If you find your ball sitting up high in deep grass be very careful that it does not move as you position your clubhead behind it.  In this case, it is advisable to simply hover the clubhead behind the ball.  If the ball were to move it would be a penalty. 

The most common problem in hitting this type of shot is whiffing (missing the ball altogether by moving the club underneath the ball).  Simply stand taller than you usually would.  Take your club back to about half way but no further than three-quarters.  Keep your downswing shallow and sweep the ball off of the grass.  Do not hit down on this type of shot.

Your primary goal is to make clean contact, distance should be secondary.

Lies on Roots

photo credit: mhofstrand   Rarely, you will find your ball up against a root but if you do it’s better to take a drop without playing the shot.  It’s not worth ruining a club. 

If the ball is in front of the root, use your putter and top the ball (hit the ball in it’s center).  Just get the ball in play.  If the ball is behind the root, use caution because the ball could bounce backwards and hit you which incurrs a two-shot penalty and possible physical injury.  Behind a root, take a wedge and make an easy swing.

A root between you and the ball – use your putter.  A root to the side of the ball away from you, make contact with the toe of the club.

Uphill or Downhill Lies

photo credit: hex1848   Many times, during any given round, you will find yourself with an uphill or downhill lie.  Most of the time these shots do not go well for the amateur golfer.  A few simple changes in technique will bring great improvements.

It is a must to have your hips and shoulders parallel (in line) to the slope.  For uphill lies, move your rear foot slightly down the hill.   For downhill lies move the lead foot forward.  In either case, take your stance so the ball is closer to the higher foot.  Be sure to swing the club along the plane of the hill.  Make a shorter than normal swing (for better balance).

Use a less lofted club on uphill shots and a more lofted club on downhill shots.

Eyeball Your Lie

photo credit: hex1848   For most, hitting from the rough can be a very difficult shot.  First, eyeball your lie to see if the ball is sitting up or down in the high grass.  With luck, the ball is sitting up but most of the time the ball sinks into the rough.  You cannot play this as a normal golf shot.

If in deep rough:  A)  set the clubface square.  B)  play the ball in the middle of your stance.  C)  Grip down on the handle.  D)  Don’t sole the club, it may make the ball drop deeper.  E)  Make a very steep swing for less clubhead resistance with the grass.  F)  make a three-quarter swing.  G)  Shots from the rough come out ”hot,” so allow for plenty of roll.

The Hardest Shot in Golf

photo credit: kulicki   Using a driver off off the fairway can be a suicidal shot for most golfers.  It is considered ”the hardest shot in golf.”

With a good lie, pros hit the driver from the fairway or light rough quite often if the ball is sitting up in the grass or light rough.  If the ball sits slightly higher than the face, the shot can be played.  If the top of the ball is in line with the top of the club, consider it a risky shot and if it is below the top of the club, use a 3-metal. 

Widen you stance and take a long, low takeaway.  Keep weight on rear foot, shorten your swing, grip down on the handle and stay behind the ball.

A Half Swing

photo credit: seantoyer   The average golfer will hit a 5-iron approximately 150 to 180 yards.  If confronted with a shot that will take you under a tree or into the wind a shot that travels half as far with a much lower trajectory, may be required.  So then, what club should you use?  Try hitting a half 5-iron.

Play the ball behind the center (about 1 ball width) of your stance and grip down on the handle so that your hands are nearly touching the shaft of the club.  When the backswing begins, take the club up quickly with your lower hand in control.  Make a soft but firm downswing and a much shortened follow-through.  If you want the ball to check-up open your clubface slightly;  close the face for a shot that rolls.

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