Soft Distance Keeps It Low
By Dr. T. J. Tomasi, Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research
When circumstances, such as a low hanging branch, force you to keep the ball low, there’s a special technique that produces what I call “soft distance.” Even though the trajectory of the shot is that of a hard-to-stop long iron, the “soft-and-low” comes into the target under control – if you execute it correctly. The first step is to create an image of the shot in your mind — in other words, think and image low. Then select two more clubs than you normally would for the distance and choke down on the handle about two inches. Position the ball one ball-width back of normal but be careful – when you move the ball back in your stance, be sure to open your stance a bit to realign your shoulders to the target. Also, move most of your weight to your lead side in order to produce a low trajectory.
Soft-and-Low swing
The swing itself is simply a low hand move with the weight remaining on the lead side throughout the swing. Be sure, however, to turn your target shoulder behind the ball because there is a tendency, when you’re trying to keep the ball down, to just lift the arms up without turning. Unfortunately, this causes you to slap at the ball with a return swing that is too steep, creating just the opposite of what you want, i.e., a high shot. The keys for the low shot also lie in your swing rhythm and your follow-through. Most golfers hit the ball much too hard when they try to keep it low, and the excess force drives the ball up in the air and often too far past the target. So, do the opposite when you want a low shot — swing with about half power, and be sure to finish with your hands, elbows, and clubhead well below your shoulders. The last adjustment, especially if the lie is bad, is to increase the grip pressure in both hands to guard against the club turning in your hands-on contact.
To get out of trouble under a low-hanging branch, this golfer will play a safe shot. Trying to give the ball a strong whack can only lead to more trouble. Choosing safety over distance is why she’s making a much-reduced backswing with her hands about thigh-high.
To keep the ball under the tree limb, she’s careful to stay behind the ball because there is a strong tendency to slide the head forward any time you’re playing a low shot. Notice that even though the ball is gone, her hands are still below her shoulders.
If you’d like to study with Dr. Tomasi and other PGA Master Professionals, contact The College of Golf today.
