How to Get Out of Trouble
What you will learn
Golf isn’t just about great shots—it’s about how well you recover from bad ones. No matter which skill level you have, you’ll find yourself in tough situations: deep rough, steep slopes, bunkers, or behind trees. What separates confident players from frustrated ones is knowing how to escape trouble wisely and minimize the damage.
This course will teach you the theory behind making smart decisions when you’re in a tough spot. You’ll learn how to assess lies, select the right shot, adjust your stance, and manage risk. Whether you’re in a bunker, facing a downhill slope, or needing to punch out from under trees, understanding the why behind each recovery shot can help you save strokes—and stay calm under pressure.
What is a trouble shot?
Understand what counts as a “trouble” situation and how to respond with a recovery mindset.
Reading the lie first
Learn how to assess the ball’s position before choosing a shot—lie affects everything.
How to escape thich rough
Understand how the grass affects clubface control and what swing changes are needed.
Playing from fairway bunkers
Learn club selection, stance adjustments, and how to pick the right shot from sand.
Greenside bunker basics
Understand the difference between sand shots and regular swings—and how to get the ball up and out.
Hitting on Slopes (Uphill/Downhill/Sidehill Lies)
Explore how slope impacts balance, clubface angle, and ball flight.
What is a punch-out shot, and how to handle them
Learn how and when to punch low shots to escape trees or recover without taking big risks.
Avoiding and managing water hazards
Understand risk management around water—and how to recover if your ball finds it.
Club and shot selection under pressure
Learn to pick the smart shot, not the hero shot, especially when under pressure.
How to Turn a Bad Shot into a Smart Recovery
Use strategy, patience, and knowledge to limit damage and save strokes.