How many times do you find yourself behind a tree or stuck under a limb wondering if you can pull the shot off? How many times do you punch out sideways to play it safe instead of advancing it down the fairway? But the important question to ask yourself is how many times do you actually practice these shots?

Growing up my dad use to go out on the course with me late in the afternoons with a shag bag full of balls. We would throw them down in the trees and practice hitting different punch shots. I learned how to shape the ball around trees, hit off sidehills lies, edges of bunkers…all kinds of shots from tough lies and situations. I learned how to confidently get myself out of trouble. I could make a better decision when I got in those positions because I had practiced different ways to play the shots. Don’t get me wrong, you don’t practice these shots so that you can then take risks that aren’t necessary on the course. You practice these so that you have options and can hit the shots with confidence.

So take the time to practice shots from out of trouble. It’s amazing how much your round can change just by pulling off a great shot to save a par. Be creative!