You're Correct!

Every golfer of any experience has felt the despair of watching the ball sail offline before thudding into the trees.

Once this happens players need to regroup and decide the best way to recover from the trees. This recovery may not be straight forward and could require some magic, but golfers should always pick a shot they know how to play. One of the biggest issues when players hit a ball into the trees is compounding the error by going for a crazy shot theyve never even imagined before! Golfers need to pick the best option and be confident with it. This doesnt mean hitting out sideways and always playing safe, but neither does it mean going crazy and firing at every pin.

One shot players should groove is a recovery punch shot. Use this following guide to nail down a safe, low ball flight under the branches.

• Set up – place the ball in the centre of the stance with feet shoulder width apart. Alignment should be straight down the target and posture as normal.
• Place about 60% body weight on the front foot and lean the shaft towards the target so the hands are ahead of the ball, opposite the left thigh.
• Swing the club away long and smooth keeping the body weight 60% on the front foot.
• The back swing should be three quarters in length with the club shaft not quite reaching parallel to the ground.
• Drive down and through the ball again keeping 60% body weight on the front foot.
• At impact the hands should be ahead of the ball, opposite the left thigh.
• The follow through, like the back swing, should be three quarters in length.

Because of the abbreviated swing, the ball will not fly as far through the air as a normal shot.

Through practice and better course management you can pick your shot wisely and trust the decision.

When firing a ball into the trees, often the best policy will be to hit out sideways and take away the risk of a big number. However, if there is a definite gap and chance to reach the target then after some practice and commitment there is no reason not to attempt the shot.

If you find yourself in the trees, always be wary of low hanging branches which could impede a full swing and remember that if you remove any leaves during a practice swing you will be hit with penalty shots.

Whilst playing safe every time will not enable you to shoot very low scores, attacking every shot from within the trees will lead to disaster! Learn to pick your shots correctly and then commit to your decision.