How to Hit Golf Balls Over Hazards

Successfully hitting a golf ball over a hazard takes a lot of confidence and focus. It also requires good vision and a solid stroke, since you don't have the same room for error that you do with regular shots. Although some people don't have trouble clearing them, many of us do. Review the following tips for help in hitting golf balls over hazards.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know the distance the ball needs to travel before hitting the ground in order to clear the hazard. Pick your club with this distance in mind. If you only focus on the distance to the hole, you'll be more likely to land your shot in the hazard.

2. Choose an appropriate club for the shot. If you're not confident you can clear the hazard with your current club, size up to one with more power. You'll be better off hitting long than coming up short, especially if you're hitting over water.

3. Don't try to lift the ball over the hazard. As long as you pick the right club, the loft of its face will get the ball high enough into the air. Focus instead on driving through the ball to produce a full-powered shot.

4. Visualize your shot before you hit it. If you imagine the ball landing well beyond the hazard, you'll be more likely to succeed.

5. Think about hitting the ball into the hazard. This may sound counter-intuitive, but doing this may prevent you from trying to lift it over the hazard.

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[eddurkin]

on 6/5/2008 I would never do step 5. The body has a way of subconsciously doing what your thinking about. If you think, "Don't hit it in the woods.", that ball is more likely to go straight into the woods. Better is to pick a target that is away from the hazard and aim for that. If I am hitting over water, I pretend it's not even there.