Golf Tips: The Low Shot

Feeling a bit rusty after the off-season? I hope these tips will help you through the early part of the season.

How many times have you watched a golf tournament to find a pro under the trees after a wayward tee shot?

The trouble golfers have with this particular low trajectory shot is that they try too much to hit the golf ball into the air when they should focus their attention on getting the shot safely out of danger.

Remember these few suggestions when attempting this shot and you will get back into the fairway and save strokes too!

1. Choose the right golf club: With a clean lie, use a 5 or 6 iron. If the ball sinks down into the rough, use a 7 or 8 iron as the higher loft will help get the ball out of the rough. It is important, however, to use a club that will keep your shot from hitting the obstruction.

2. Set Up: Ball back in your stance,, hands ahead of the ball and weight on your left side (for righties - opposite for a lefty)

3. Slow Down: The low shot is hit most effectively with a slower swing speed. This provides less backspin and a lower trajectory.

4. Finish: Keep your hands low at finish to keep the flight of the ball low.

Mental Note: You might not be able to reach the green. If you don’t think you can, DON’T TRY! Instead, attempt to get the ball out of trouble first, aiming for the fairway. Once in the fairway, it will be easier to get the ball up and down to possibly save the hole.