The Funniest Golf On The Web - Hilarious golf gifts. Novelty and extra-distance golf balls.Golf games,cartoon books,videos, novelties,gags,jokes. Wacky golf clubs and executive golf gifts.

Nov

13

Playing a Golf Shot Near A Tree

November 13, 2007 | under Beginners, Golf Tips |

Golf courses are phenomenally appealing to the eye, loaded with nature’s finest landscape of beautiful trees and various bushes.  This is one reason why I like golf.  Relax and enjoy the environment - beautiful. 

The only time I do not enjoy as much of the landscape is when my ball lands in one of these areas, playing it through can be an excruciating experience, frustrating even for the most calmest of golf players. 

Nothing is more depressing than watching your tee shot soar through the air and become buried within a tangle of tree branches, tree trunks, or worse, a thick wiry brush. Should this happen to you, the key is to stay calm and learn how to get yourself out of the situation with as little penalty strokes possible, preferably none!

So long as the ball stops on top of a decent lie, there is still hope to move forward without gaining too many penalty shots.

Playing Safe with Tree Trunks

If your ball lands close to a tree trunk, you may or may not have an opportunity to hit it through. It all depends on how close it lands to the tree. If the ball happens to be sitting on top of ground that has no roots, is somewhat firm, and is only a few inches away from the tree trunk itself, you might have a shot.  But, this also depends on which side of the tree is the ball on. 

Otherwise, if the ball is located closer to the tree, a few inches away and there are roots sticking from the ground, then attempting to make the shot may cause you to take a step backwards, risking personal injury and/or breaking the club against the tree trunk.   As casual golfers, I would want to be healthy to play golf another day.

In this type of scenario, I would personally recommend declaring the ball to be an unplayable lie in order to move it to a better location. Unfortunately, one penalty stroke will be added to your scorecard, but it is the lesser of two evils.

If You Have a Shot…

If you are fortunate enough to have your ball land in a spot near the tree trunk which gives you a slight possibility of success, as mentioned above, you now have an opportunity to get the ball closer to your target and back onto the fairway.

If you do have the chance to set the ball up properly, and the lie is decent enough, your next move is to check for possible obstructions from tree branches. If there are branches that are hanging low enough to be considered a threat to the flight path of your ball, the best option is to pick a less lofted club, such as a 5-iron, and just knock the ball back into play.

If you are lucky enough to have a shot with absolutely no branches interfering, you may choose whatever club you feel is best to get the ball to reach your target. Next, set the ball up so that it is approximately 1 to 2 inches behind the middle-point of your stance. Make a full swing, keeping it smooth, and just go for contact with the ball, disregarding using too much power and might.

Remember, in situations like these, also play safe.  My personal recommendation is not to try to be a “hero”.  Using brute strength against the trees can only hurt yourself.  Play safe golf and continue to enjoy the game.

take Care and have a good game….

Tag:,

Comments

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Speak your mind