Golf Recovery Shots: Practice Tips from Different Lies

One of the most challenging aspects of playing golf is dealing with unfavorable lies. Whether you find yourself in the rough, a bunker, or behind a tree, knowing how to execute recovery shots can save you strokes and help you navigate your way around the course.

Here are some ways to practice golf recovery shots from different lies:

1. Thick Rough

• Create similar conditions: Visit a golf range that offers a designated rough practice area. Practice hitting shots from different depths of rough to simulate real on-course situations.
• Select appropriate clubs: Experiment with different clubs to see which ones work best for you in getting out of the thick rough. You may find that a higher lofted club or a fairway wood helps you achieve better results.
• Focus on solid contact: When hitting from the rough, it's important to make clean contact with the ball. Practice maintaining a steeper angle of attack to effectively strike the ball without getting caught up in the grass.

2. Bunker Shots

• Practice in actual bunkers: Find a golf course or practice facility that has bunkers you can use for practice. Work on hitting different types of bunker shots including high shots and low shots.
• Experiment with club selection: Use different clubs to see how they affect the trajectory and distance of your bunker shots. This will give you a better understanding of which club to use in various situations.
• Master the explosion shot: Spend time practicing the explosion shot, where you aim to hit the sand behind the ball to generate lift and spin. Work on your timing and technique to develop consistency.

3. Tree Troubles

• Use a practice net: Set up a practice net in your backyard or a nearby open area. Simulate hitting shots from behind trees by selecting a target that requires you to shape shots around obstacles.
• Work on shot shaping: Practice hitting draws and fades to improve your ability to navigate around trees. Experiment with grip, stance, and swing path variations to create different shot shapes.
• Visualize your shot: Before hitting the ball, visualize the trajectory of your intended shot. This mental preparation can help you align yourself properly and execute the shot with confidence.

Remember, practicing recovery shots is all about simulating real on-course scenarios and developing the necessary skills to handle difficult lies. By dedicating time to these shots during your practice sessions, you'll become a more versatile and confident golfer.

Whether it's practicing from the rough, bunkers, or behind trees, by incorporating these tips into your golf practice routine, you'll be better equipped to handle challenging situations during your rounds. So, get out there and start honing your recovery shot skills!