Some of us are low-ball hitters. Others are high-ball hitters. Being a high-ball hitter is a problem if your drive lands just off the rough but under a tree. Your normal shot is likely to hit a branch and carom off into more trouble. You need a controlled, low flying shot that flies under the tree’s limbs for some distance. It’s the kind of shot that’s ideal for long irons, but you’ve replaced your them with hybrids.
Below are six keys to punching a hybrid:
- Stand behind the ball
- Select a target
- Address the ball with a narrow stance
- Shift your weight and grip down
- Make a three quarter backswing
- Turn back and through the ball
You can punch a hybrid from under a tree as long as you don’t add loft to the clubface.
Start by standing behind the ball and picking out a target. Picture the shot trajectory you want to hit and then address the ball. Take a narrow stance by setting your feet under your hips. Shift your weight forward and choke down about an inch on the club. These adjustments bring you closer to the ball.
Start low and slow and make a three-quarter backswing. Use a lot of body turn but try to stay centered over the ball. Staying centered is key to the shot. Now turn your back to the ball. Avoid any excess hand action. It can only get you in trouble. The ball will come out low and hot and travels about 75 percent of your normal hybrid distance.
Try making a few practice swings before hitting the ball. Check that the Vs of your grip, your clubshaft, and your back shin all point to your forward shoulder at impact. If they do, you’ll subtract loft from the clubface at impact, resulting in the kind of low shot you need to escape the tree.