Tip From the Archives

Learn to Ignore the Hazards

Problem

You have to make a shot over a water hazard or a sand bunker. Every time you approach a shot like this, you focus too much on what you do not want to do and somehow that is exactly what happens.

Cure

Do not let a hazard psych you out; the more you allow yourself to worry or picture the ball landing in the hazard, the more likely that it will. You should imagine that the hazard is really fairway. Keep your focus on where you want the ball to land and which club is necessary to get you there.

Therapy

Go with your first instincts about your club selection, this is the club that you will be more comfortable swinging and therefore more likely result in success. Find another target in the opposite direction on the fairway and take practice swings. This can help reinforce the image and build your confidence needed to achieve this shot. Take some practice swings until you can truly see the ball landing at your target. Your set up and execution of the shot should be the same as the fairway shot. Keep the image of the fairway and the feel as you had during your practice swings and go for it!

  • Currently 4.40/5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

5 votes

 

Something to Add?






Notice Please keep your comments relevant to this article: inappropriate or purely promotional comments may be removed. Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments.