Golf Divot: Be a Divot Devotee
A Legacy Post by Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research Dr. T. J. Tomasi (1940-2023)
Hitting your ball into a divot may be a bad break, but playing out of a divot is not as difficult as most club golfers expect. Based on the position of the ball in the divot, different techniques are required.
Regardless of where the ball lies in the divot, always stand closer to your ball. This sets the club shaft more upright, reducing the chance that your club head will catch the edge of the divot. If your ball lies in the front of the divot, your goal is to nip it out with your regular swing. If your ball trickles into a divot and rests at the edge of the back lip, you have to dig it out, so plan for a low, running shot: Play the ball about 2 inches behind the center of your stance and choose one more club than normal. Choke down about 1 inch and swing abruptly down on the back of the ball, using an abbreviated follow-through.
If the divot points left of the target, open your clubface to produce a fade back to the target and then swing down the divot line. If the divot points right of the target, close your clubface slightly to promote a drawback to the target and simply let your swing path follow the divot line.
How to Hit a Golf Ball Out of a Divot
Knowing how to hit a ball out of a divot is crucial for a golfer because encountering this uneven lie is inevitable on the golf course. Mastering this skill empowers golfers to navigate challenging conditions, ensuring they can adapt and maintain control over their shots even when faced with less-than-ideal circumstances, ultimately enhancing their overall performance and confidence on the course.
Summary:
- Let the shape of the divot shape your swing.
- Keep the majority of your weight on your front foot during the swing (about 60/40).
- Make a complete shoulder turn.
- Let your finish be dictated by the position of the ball in the divot — abbreviated for the punch shot from the back of the divot and a full finish from the front.
- Think “hit down” and position the ball in your stance according to the position of the ball in the divot — back when it’s at the back of the divot and more forward when it’s toward the front.
This looks like a bad lie, but since I have complete access to the back of the ball, I’m going to use my normal swing. Don’t improvise if you don’t have to.
This junior player caught a bad break 30 yards from the green, and his only choice was to chop down on the ball to blast it out of the back of a divot.
Learn more!
Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, we can elevate your game to new heights together. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.
