Damage Control Situation No. 2
Escaping from watery lies
When half of your ball is sitting above the water level, it's feasible to hit it out and save the penalty stroke you'd have to take for dropping it. Granted, you may get a little wet in the process, but that's a small price to pay for saving strokes. Here's how to play from the H2O.
SET-UP-OLOGY
Take the path of least resistance
Hitting a shot from water requires a setup to battle the resistance that the water exacts on your club. First, make sure you grip the club at full length to maximize power. Next, close the clubface slightly at address — the club will be better able to cut through the water. Finally, stand close to the ball in a slight crouch, which creates an upright swing plane.
HAND-FIRE FEEL
Power the club though impact
With your feet in muck, moving your lower body is more difficult. So make a full body and shoulder turn for maximum power on the downswing. Grip the club tightly (about a 9 on a scale of 10) and power your swing to a full finish.
RED-FLAG TOUCH
Water shots have absolutely no backspin, so expect your ball to run farther than normal.
BACKYARD PRACTICE DRILL
Practice from a tray
The best way to get comfortable with this shot is to internalize the setup and swing feelings in your backyard practice, hitting from varying depths of water. It's like learning to ride a bicycle: Once you experience the feel of success, you'll never forget it. Use a tray filled with water and practice hitting balls out.
Now that you've mastered the water, you're ready for the woods.
