#14 Toughest Shot In Golf

In this issue we continue the countdown to  #14 of the 20 Toughest Shots In Golf. There is a corresponding drill afterwards.

Toughest Shot #14 – Ball In Rough On Upslope

All golfers hit bad drives. It’s just a question of when and how often. If you’re lucky, your bad drive won’t get you into too much trouble. It will land in the first cut of the rough, and provide you with a relatively good approach shot. If you’re unlucky, the ball will end up in deep rough on an upslope, giving you one of the toughest approach shots in golf. Mis-hitting the shot can cost you strokes.

 Below are fives keys to this shot:

1. Choose an extra club
2. Play the ball off your back foot
3. Set your shoulders even with the slope
4. Avoid hanging back on your back foot
5. Feel your hands ahead of the club

This shot is difficult for one reason: There’s a high risk of jamming your club into the ground before impact—as with any shot from an upslope. Add some thick rough and you have a nightmare of a shot.

This lie will force the ball higher in the air so hit at least one club more than normal. You also must take the thickness of the rough into account. If you usually hit a 7-iron from that spot, hit a 6-iron or 5-iron instead. In addition, you want to limit the amount of contact between the grass and the club, so play the ball off your back foot.

Many golfers tend to “hang back” on this shot during their downswing and let the club pass their hands. This is a critical mistake. Instead, set your shoulders parallel to the slope and keep your weight centered or slightly forward. You want to feel as if you’re on “top of the ball” through the shot, not leaning down the hill. When you make your backswing, feel your hands ahead of the club at impact.

Keep these keys in mind next time you’re in the rough on an upslope. Also, play the shot rather conservatively. Trying to hit a miracle shot with this type of lie can cost you strokes big time.