Obstacles & Hardships Irons Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 2 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

The Low Punch Under the Branches: David Leadbetter

Name: The Low Punch Under the Branches: David Leadbetter
Uploaded: 2016-09-16T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 1 min 39 s
Channel: David Leadbetter
Description: Are there low-hanging branches between you and the green? David Leadbetter, writing for Golf Digest, offers a four-step plan for successfully executing the punch shot—that low shot that sends the ball under obstacles and brings it back into play. It’s a simple shot—one worth practicing a few times on the driving range before you need it.

Are there low-hanging branches between you and the green? David Leadbetter, writing for Golf Digest, offers a four-step plan for successfully executing the punch shot—that low shot that sends the ball under obstacles and brings it back into play. It’s a simple shot—one worth practicing a few times on the driving range before you need it.

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David Leadbetter · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

3 minSame problemHitting Over a Tree on the Golf Course: The Club Shaft TrickKarine Icher · Beginner / Intermediate 4 minNext Level UpJack Nicklaus's high shot: clearing the obstacleJack Nicklaus · Intermediate 1 minFrom the same proToes pointed toward the shank: light grip, chest upDavid Leadbetter · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

According to David Leadbetter, there are times when you have to hit a low shot—for example, right next to the fairway where there are overhanging branches. The priority then is to put the ball back into play. Step 1: take a club with less loft—at least two clubs more than usual, making sure you’ll clear whatever’s in front of you (shrubs, tall grass; pine needles aren’t a problem). Then you need to choke down at least 2 inches and move the ball back 2 inches compared to the usual position.

Next comes a three-quarter swing, between half and three-quarters, but no more. Finally, a short finish: It ensures that the hands are ahead of the clubhead at impact. If the clubhead were to pass in front of the hands, the ball would fly high; everything is done to keep it low and reduce loft. The motion remains smooth: “Don’t try to hit it too hard”—it’s a gentle punch. His summary: ball positioned back, shortened grip, a fluid three-quarter swing, and a short finish.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Make sure the ball will go over the obstacle in front of you.
Take at least two more clubs than usual.
Choke down about 2 inches.
Move the ball back about 2 inches in your stance.
Take a smooth, three-quarter swing.
Finish short, with your hands ahead.

Key Takeaways

Priority: Put the ball back into play.

At least two more clubs, with less loft.

Choked-down grip and the ball moved back about 2 inches.

A half to three-quarter swing, no more.

Short finish: hands in front of the clubhead at impact.

Mistakes to Avoid

Swinging too hard instead of playing a smooth punch.
Letting the clubhead pass your hands at impact.
Taking a full backswing.
Forgetting to check what's right in front of the ball.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Three-quarter punches with two extra clubs
Ball back, choked-down grip, short held finish
A few balls, staying under a set maximum height

Your Questions

Which club should you choose for a punch under the branches?

David Leadbetter recommends a club with less loft—at least two clubs more than usual—depending on what's in front of you.

Where should I place the ball?

About 2 inches farther back than usual, with the grip shortened by the same amount.

Why use a short finish?

It ensures that the hands stay in front of the clubhead at impact. Otherwise, the ball will fly high.

Should you hit it hard?

No: the motion should stay fluid; it's a smooth punch, a three-quarter swing at most.

Learn More

All “Obstacles & Struggles” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Jack Nicklaus's high shot: clearing the obstacleTo hit the ball higher, Nicklaus keeps his usual swing, moves the ball forward, opens the clubface slightly, and then shifts his weight to his left foot instead of staying back. Chip shot from the thick rough—Adam Scott: Read the lieAdam Scott reads the lie by placing the club behind the ball, then plays either a standard bunker shot or a modified bunker shot with fixed wrists against the grain. Hitting Over a Tree on the Golf Course: The Club Shaft TrickPlace the clubface flat in front of the ball, with the shaft pointing toward the obstacle: the angle of the shaft indicates whether the ball will go over or under the trees. David LeadbetterAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (David Leadbetter). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.