My Golf Blueprint
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MY GOLF BLUEPRINT

Recovery shots: improve the next position

A golfer swinging a driver from the tee.
Photo: Markus Spiske / Pexels

A recovery is successful when it leaves a manageable next shot without adding avoidable danger. The shortest route is not always the best route.

Work through it

  1. Check stance, swing clearance and nearby people.
  2. Identify a broad safe exit.
  3. Choose the club that clears the first obstacle reliably.
  4. Consider available penalty relief when the shot is unsafe or unrealistic.

A practical example

Chipping sideways to the fairway can be a better decision than attempting a full shot that is likely to stay among trees.

Practice task

In a permitted practice area, rehearse low controlled shots toward a broad corridor. Keep targets away from people and hard obstacles. Record whether the exit is predictable.

Common mistakes

Do not attempt a narrow gap simply because you can see the flag. Avoid striking near roots or fixed objects that could injure you.

Choose a comfortable movement and change one variable at a time. Stop if a movement causes pain; a qualified coach can adapt the task to your mobility and experience.

Sources and further reading

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