Punch shot under branches

Setup

1. Hang a rope or pool noodle at about head height between two poles, 10 to 15 m in front of the hitting spot. It stands in for low branches.
2. Mark a fairway target zone with cones 40 to 60 m beyond the rope.
3. Never practise this under real trees: balls can ricochet back at the player. Anyone waiting stands behind the hitter and to the side, well clear of the swing.

How it runs

1. Take a 7 iron. Play the ball back of centre, hands ahead of the ball and weight on the lead foot.
2. Make a three-quarter backswing and a short, firm finish with the hands low, keeping the clubface pointing at the target.
3. Hit five balls. A ball that passes under the rope and finishes in the zone scores a point; touching the rope scores nothing.
4. Then try the same shot with an 8 iron and a 6 iron, and compare the height and roll of each.
5. On the course, the aim of a punch is to get back into play: pick the widest gap, not the closest route to the green.

Coaching points

• De-loft the club with the hands forward; don't try to scoop it.
• A shorter, smoother swing gives less spin and a lower flight.
• Expect plenty of run: land it well short of the target.
• Check the overhead clearance on the backswing as well as on the way out.

Common mistakes

• Ball too far forward, so it climbs into the branches.
• A full, fast swing that adds height and spin.
• Flipping the wrists through impact to help the ball up.