Up and over...

SonicBoom

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Aug 25, 2011
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As an further thought to the previous thread on length of carry..
One of the problems I have is knowing if I will be able to get up and over a tree. Usually if I hit an 8 for example, it flies away pretty high, but I have no real idea of how high it gets in the first 10 to 50 yards. so when I am (cough) on the wrong fairway, or simply stuck behind a tree I am never sure if I will be able to clear it, with any club.
How do you deal with this? Obviously the closer the obstacle the more loft needed but even 20 yards away I look a tree and think I have no idea if the ball flies that high, that fast.

Note to self; try not to get stuck behind a tree, simples.
 
Very difficult to offer a hard and fast rule without knowing how you hit the ball. From my perspective it is a very intuative thing and depends on the lie of the ball as much as anything. If in doubt go for more loft and hit it harder.
 
For me I'd try and punch it low, looking to advance the ball closer, I wouldn't be trying to go for the flag, but then I don't play to a high standard.......

Alternatively I'll play out sideways taking my medicine............

Cheers
AndyR
 
As eluded to depends how far you have to your target and the lie you find.

If I have a good lie and it just means getting the ball a little higher to clear the tree, then I'll move the ball further forward in my stance (... And maybe go up a club).

If the % shot is a punch under the tree then then that's what'll get played :D
 
I agree that you should always take your medicine.
Guess my problem is when you have to go up I find it hard to picture how high the ball gets and how fast. Let's face it usually you are watching the direction first, then you usually concentrate on where and how it lands and rolls.
 
I prefer to play high shots than punching, as I have no problem getting height on shots.

The problem is knowing how high! I can only go by feel and sight. I've found I have to go up a club to get the distance (more height = less carry), but play the ball slightly back in my stance (which I've heard shouldn't work) so can get away with up to 5irons... but my game is full of contradictions!

10th at Westerham has seen my go over the trees and under the trees... it's all about the day, the swing and the feel though.
 
I find a rough idea can be given if you stand on the face of the club & see which angle the shaft points upwards at, although generally go on instinct (the harder you hit it the higher it goes unless you top it of course)
 
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