Four club challenge and no putter, why?

[Tashyboy]

I can do it.
I think it is something to do with how hard/soft you hit it, how long/short your backswing is and moving your hands down the grip a bit.

I have to use this same technique when hitting a low running bullet from the tress with a long iron to go 100 yards.

I responded to Ori through a email link then read your post. Hitting it out from under the tress is as good an example of how and why to play it. I played with a guy called “Rocktop” at our place once. He is a member at Worksop. He smashed his balls into the trees and promptly pulled out a driver. He proceeded to smash it 150 yds like a low Exocet. I asked him about it as I was gobsmacked. He said “ everyone at Worksop does it as there is that many trees, it is a shot you need to know how to play”.

 

[Orikoru]

The way I play it is similar to a PW when playing shots. Bob explained it well the other weeks, different clubs different arcs etc. Also to go down the shaft takes off length and gives more control.

When I did a chipping lesson the Pro showed me how to chip using different clubs and seeing how the ball runs on. Re chipping the important point is try to hit the green so the ball runs out on the putting green. Hitting the first cut can cause it to kick left or right. Another thing he said “ put in your minds eye where you want the ball to land the ball “. If it is a 60 degree wedge it’s on the pin as there is no run. If it is half way to the hole to run out it could be a 7 or 8 iron.

The Five wood if I hit it 150 yards carry, a green that is 130 middle don’t need a lot taking off. The shortest green (110 front 135 back) is usually an 8 iron but the wind in the face was a two club wind. I flushed it sweet and thought it was flying through the back. I was left with a 60 ft putt. Two putts three points.

I can do it.
I think it is something to do with how hard/soft you hit it, how long/short your backswing is and moving your hands down the grip a bit.

I have to use this same technique when hitting a low running bullet from the tress with a long iron to go 100 yards.

When I carried a 5 wood it was a 190-ish full shot for me, so I'd struggle to take 90 yards off it. If I go too slow then I won't get the ball off the ground - would be tough to swing quick enough to actually hit the ball in the air, but soft enough that it only goes 100 yards. Maybe a low punch would work as you could judge the roll on it, but I was thinking for par 3s where you might need to actually land it on the green and things like that.

This format obviously benefits people who have learnt to play different shots with different clubs. Best I can really do is take 5 yards off a shot by gripping down, and another 5 yards by putting my feet a bit closer together (and I'm still working on the latter - have to keep my weight forward the whole time or I duff it). I'm not very good at changing my actual swing. I can't do the 'clock positions' thing at all.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I responded to Ori through a email link then read your post. Hitting it out from under the tress is as good an example of how and why to play it. I played with a guy called “Rocktop” at our place once. He is a member at Worksop. He smashed his balls into the trees and promptly pulled out a driver. He proceeded to smash it 150 yds like a low Exocet. I asked him about it as I was gobsmacked. He said “ everyone at Worksop does it as there is that many trees, it is a shot you need to know how to play”.

Driver is bold but I now use a hybrid in the trees to keep it low instead of an iron for the same reasoning. I had a couple of years at a tree lined course and would be clipping branches all the time. I saw an old guy using hybrid, thought 'he's pushing it' and then saw him punch it beautifully out of the trees, below the branch height. I had a good chat about it with him after and started doing the same shot myself. Every day is a learning day.......... (I should add, I don't hit it 150yds like an exocet but I do get it out more successfully than before and that will do)

 

[Orikoru]

Driver is bold but I now use a hybrid in the trees to keep it low instead of an iron for the same reasoning. I had a couple of years at a tree lined course and would be clipping branches all the time. I saw an old guy using hybrid, thought 'he's pushing it' and then saw him punch it beautifully out of the trees, below the branch height. I had a good chat about it with him after and started doing the same shot myself. Every day is a learning day.......... (I should add, I don't hit it 150yds like an exocet but I do get it out more successfully than before and that will do)

Whenever I try to hit a low punch out of trees with hybrid, it pops up and hits the overhanging branch. That happens even with fairway woods. I figure it's the hot faces and the fact they're designed to launch the ball high. The only club I can sort of hit a low punch with is my 6 iron (which is my longest iron). I've never tried driver though to be fair. I think that would be pretty bold.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Whenever I try to hit a low punch out of trees with hybrid, it pops up and hits the overhanging branch. That happens even with fairway woods. I figure it's the hot faces and the fact they're designed to launch the ball high. The only club I can sort of hit a low punch with is my 6 iron (which is my longest iron). I've never tried driver though to be fair. I think that would be pretty bold.

It's whatever works for you. I used to use 7 iron, my least lofted iron at the time, and would frequently clip the branches. Now that I use my hybrid, 23°, I get it out lower and punchier. I don't hit it like I would normally, it is definitely more manufactured and lower. I can't describe what I do, so no help there I'm afraid.

I guess the moral of Tashy's story is, play around, see what works for you.

 

[Orikoru]

It's whatever works for you. I used to use 7 iron, my least lofted iron at the time, and would frequently clip the branches. Now that I use my hybrid, 23°, I get it out lower and punchier. I don't hit it like I would normally, it is definitely more manufactured and lower. I can't describe what I do, so no help there I'm afraid.

I guess the moral of Tashy's story is, play around, see what works for you.

My 6 iron is only 24.5° I think, so pretty low-lofted. I hit it almost like a cricket shot (not that I've ever played cricket). A bit back in the stance, short follow-through and keep the hands in front. I think they call it a cover drive? Haha. But yeah, even that doesn't work with a hybrid, and mine is also 23°.

 

[Robin Hood]

I carry a 3 iron specifically for punching out of the trees.
Ball well back in the stance and not too big a back swing.
We have a lot of trees and I regularly find them…..

 

[jim8flog]

I have played loads of rounds on our 9 hole course without a putter, originally based upon Nick Faldo's teaching videos where he reckoned on practicing this as it improves tempo in putting. I have two mates that are also really good putting with a wedge.

I have always been a bit annoyed that our club 4 club challenge must include a putter. I would happily drop it out in favour of another club.

 

[jim8flog]

I would add that I have never done well in these things regardless of what clubs I have chosen but putting has never been part of the reason.
Very frustrating as I have shot 2 over gross on our 9 hole course with just a 5 iron and a wedge in my hands.

 

[kp17]

I actually find putting with a wedge okay but it makes 0 sense on a four club challenge not to have the putter.
2 or maybe even 3 club challenge yes but 4 club putter should be first pick

 

[Tashyboy]

I have played loads of rounds on our 9 hole course without a putter, originally based upon Nick Faldo's teaching videos where he reckoned on practicing this as it improves tempo in putting. I have two mates that are also really good putting with a wedge.

I have always been a bit annoyed that our club 4 club challenge must include a putter. I would happily drop it out in favour of another club.

Ave only played one four club challenge and I cannot understand why you would Have to have a putter. I cannot understand why folk don’t have a putter but that’s because I cannot imagine having to putt with another club. Surely the whole point of four club challenge is well four clubs and it’s your choice. Someone putting ( pardon for the pun) in a stipulation it must include a putter is odd.

 

[Crow]

I usually play our 4 club challenge with one club from the 1930s, one from the 1950s, one from the 1960s and one from the 1970s.

Typically I'll go:
2 or 3 wood
5 iron
9 iron
Putter

 

[evemccc]

I usually play our 4 club challenge with one club from the 1930s, one from the 1950s, one from the 1960s and one from the 1970s.

Typically I'll go:
2 or 3 wood
5 iron
9 iron
Putter

I haven’t ever done a 3 or 4 club challenge but if I did I would choose

Driver
7 iron
Putter

Driver
7 iron
52 degree wedge
Putter

Whatever, 3 or 4 club, or 14 clubs, all my clubs would be from the 21st century

 

[jim8flog]

I haven’t ever done a 3 or 4 club challenge but if I did I would choose

Driver
7 iron
Putter

Driver
7 iron
52 degree wedge
Putter

Whatever, 3 or 4 club, or 14 clubs, all my clubs would be from the 21st century

That would be stretching it a lot for quite a few players judging by the putters I have seen in a lot of bags - probably most noticeable would be Odyssey 2 ball and Ping heel and toe putters. My own Never Compromise only just makes that requirement.