Having grown up playing at Royal Portrush where strong winds are almost always a factor, the ability to hit a punch has always been important to me.
For the majority of amateurs I play with, the ability to drive the ball in the fairway consistently would save them more than just a few shots every round.
Bunkers come in all shapes and sizes but, most crucially of all, with different textures of sand. However, a good, basic technique such as the one I outline below will allow you to adapt to local conditions...
It might not look as impressive as a powerful draw, but a fade is the safest shot in the book. Here’s how to do it...
You’ve missed the green in the perfect spot. A simple chip and run will save your par and preserve your momentum.
So your ball is in the rough but it’s sitting well. The difficulty here is that it’s all downhill to the pin.
Golf Monthly playing editor, Graeme McDowell, offers some useful drills to help save you more shots on the greens from close range.
The ability to hit a controlled draw is crucial. Whether you are looking for extra distance, to fight the conditions, or to access a tight flag, this will be your best option.
The exact position of your eyes over the ball at address could be critical to the consistent success of your putting stroke. Let me explain why...
If you struggle with long irons, the hybrid could be your go-to club from distance...
Whether you’ve hit a poor drive and have had to lay up or you came close to hitting a par-5 in two, we all face this tricky length pitch from time-to-time.
There’s nothing to enjoy about this situation apart from the difficulty of the challenge itself. You’re short-sided and the rough is thick.