The Best Free Golf Video Lessons565 Free Golf Lessons from the Best ProsOver 120,000,000 views
565 lessons from professionals, selected and summarizedOver 120,000,000 views across all videos
Draw or FadeObstacles & HardshipsCourse Management All clubs Intermediate ⏱ 6 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Out of the Trees with Jean Van de Velde: Low or High

Jean Van de Velde finds himself in the trees, facing several options: a gap to the side, a shot over a bunker, or a very risky shot toward the green. He focuses primarily on making the right choice and taking risks, then lays out a basic principle regarding low and high shots.

▶
Jean Van de Velde
Jean Van de Velde · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

12 minSame problemLee Trevino's Swing: Clubface Control on the RangeLee Trevino · Intermediate / Expert15 minSame problemTommy Fleetwood's Precision Drive: The Safe TeeTommy Fleetwood · Intermediate / Expert6 minFrom the same proShank and chipping: Don't push your hands toward the ballJean Van de Velde · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

When faced with a ball in the trees, Jean Van de Velde points out that The first challenge is to make the right choice. In this example, the ball isn't in a good spot for him: he doesn't know how it will land, so he prefers to get back onto the fairway to be in a good position for his next shot. The goal is to Don't lose points by realigning, to avoid compounding one mistake with another: this shot is worth as much as a drive or a 50-centimeter putt. The choice also depends on the format: in stroke play, he would play it safe; in match play, he would try to get the ball under the tree with a hook, a shot he knows how to execute.

He regrets that amateur golfers always hit the same standard shot on the driving range, without ever change the height or the effect, even though these shots are also useful on the fairway—for a flag hidden behind a bunker or between two clubs. On the subject of technique, he corrects a common misconception: A ball on the right foot and hands out in front aren't enough for a low shot. The most important factor is the position of the clubface—whether it’s open or closed—which is why club selection is so important.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Analyze the situation instead of shrugging your shoulders: look at the ball and all the possible plays.
  2. If the ball isn't in a good spot, choose the safest way to get it back onto the fairway.
  3. Adjust your risk-taking to the format: play it safe in stroke play, and take bolder shots in match play.
  4. Only attempt a special move if you know how to execute it.
  5. When it comes to height, choose your club based on the clubface angle, not just the ball position.
  6. At the driving range, vary the height and spin of your shots.

Key Takeaways

When hunting in the trees, choosing the right shot takes precedence over everything else.
Goal: Don't lose any points; don't compound one mistake with another.
A refocusing shot is just as valuable as a drive or a 50-centimeter putt.
Stroke play or match play: the level of risk is different.
At the driving range, vary the height and spin instead of always hitting the same shot.
Low ball: Ball position alone isn't enough; the angle of the clubface matters most.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Try for a miracle break and ruin your hand.
  • Add one mistake to another after a drive into the trees.
  • Believing that having the ball on your right foot and your hands out in front of you is enough to hit a low ball.
  • Always hit the same standard shot at the driving range.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. The same wedge played lower and then higher
  2. Use a 9-iron, adjusting the height, to hit a flag behind a bunker
  3. Spinning shots from left to right and from right to left

Your Questions

What's the priority when the ball is in the trees?

Making the right choice. Jean Van de Velde often prefers to play back onto the fairway to set himself up for a good shot rather than attempt a risky shot through the trees.

Does risk-taking vary depending on the game format?

Yes. Following his example, he would play it safe in stroke play, but in match play he would try to get the ball under the tree with a hook—a shot he knows how to execute.

Is placing the ball on your right foot enough to hit a low shot?

No. That’s an important factor, but for Jean Van de Velde, the decisive factor is how the face is positioned—open or closed—which is why club selection is so important.

Learn More

All “Draw Effect or Fade Effect” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Obstacles & Struggles” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Course Management” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Lee Trevino's Swing: Clubface Control on the RangeThree surfaces to align (club, back of the left hand, right palm), a right hand that acts as a steering wheel, and a ball that is moved to choose between a draw or a fade. Tommy Fleetwood's Precision Drive: The Safe TeeTo find the fairway, Fleetwood maintains his tee height, holds the club in the air, widens his stance, and hits over a tee placed behind the ball. Collin Morikawa's Irons: Clubface on the TargetClubface always toward the target, body open or closed depending on the shot shape, finish height to control trajectory, and a glove under the arm on the backswing. Jean Van de VeldeAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Jean Van de Velde). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros