Golf is a game of inches, and the difference between a good and bad shot can come down to the smallest of margins.
This is especially evident when your ball rests on the side of the green at the exact spot where the rim meets the rough. This spot is referred to as collar, is a particularly difficult area in each course. Although it is only feet from the shooting surface, playing the ball from this area is no small feat.
When your ball hits the collar, there is no easy way to get close to the shot. The situation is very difficult because the roughness will not allow you to make a smooth stroke. But cutting the ball is not easy because the tall grass will affect your ability to hit the ball cleanly. In other words, creativity is key.
To help with how to handle this shot, we enlisted Grand Winner Danielle Kang for this episode of The Pros Teaching Joe. Check out the video at the top of the article, or read below for more.
1. Approach it like a knockout
Kang explained that she wanted to show these types of shots like a topspin slam dunk. But as it is impossible to make use of a bat, the ball is hit with a wedge instead.
2. Use the toe of the club
Instead of hitting the ball with the center of the face, Kang wants to use the toe on this shot. This takes the “hotness” of the ball off the face, helps eliminate backspin and promotes topspin.
3. Use the blow
Even though you’re using a wedge in this shot, you won’t be using the same technique as you would in your sample slice. You want to put the ball back in position and leave the club heel up. Choke on your fist and try to hit the ball a little.
“It’s not like a chip,” says Kang. “It’s more like a show move.”
4. Visualize your line
Once you have all the basics of the shot, all that’s left is to visualize the line, stick and hit the shot. Read the green as if you were hitting the ball and imagine how the ball would roll onto the green. Play the shot like a slam dunk and watch it go towards the center of the trophy.