Irons: Compress the BallObstacles & HardshipsBall Position by Club Irons Intermediate ⏱ 4 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Jack Nicklaus's high shot: clearing the obstacle

Name: Jack Nicklaus's high shot: clearing the obstacle
Uploaded: 2020-06-12T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 3 min 39 s
Channel: Jack Nicklaus
Description: When playing from behind a tree, you have to get the ball up quickly. Jack Nicklaus, with a long iron in hand, shows how he does it without changing his swing: it all comes down to address and the weight transfer—things that amateur golfers often overlook.

When playing from behind a tree, you have to get the ball up quickly. Jack Nicklaus, with a long iron in hand, shows how he does it without changing his swing: it all comes down to address and the weight transfer—things that amateur golfers often overlook.

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Jack Nicklaus · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

9 minSame problem5 Pro Tips from Tommy Fleetwood: From the Drive to the GreenTommy Fleetwood · Intermediate 13 minSame problemIrons Downwind and on Slopes: The Morikawa SchoolCollin Morikawa · Intermediate / Expert 2 minFrom the same proJack Nicklaus Putting: How to Control Your SpeedJack Nicklaus · Intermediate

What the lesson shows

For Jack Nicklaus, the high shot is one of the most satisfying shots in golf. He keeps the same swing as with all his clubs and changes only the address: it open the face slightly to add a loft and moves the ball forward into his stance. This gives the clubface time to return to square later in the swing; the ball isn’t sliced, and the club makes contact with it a little higher on the swing path, which helps you stay behind the ball. The downside: the ball doesn’t travel as far, so you often need to use one club longer.

The amateur has the right idea—staying behind the ball and following through properly—but he goes about it the wrong way: he leaves the ball in the same spot, stay on your right foot and starts the swing from the top. He loses power. Nicklaus does the opposite: ball positioned forward, clubface slightly open, then a real passage on the left side during the follow-through. The same shot is also used with a tailwind to stop the ball quickly on the green.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Identify the obstacle and choose a club one size larger than you would for the normal distance.
Open the front cover slightly to remove the grip.
Place the ball further forward in your stance than usual.
Take your usual swing, without trying to lift the ball.
As you swing down, shift your weight to your left foot while releasing the club.
End up high and balanced on your left side.

Key Takeaways

The swing doesn't change—only your form adapts.

Slightly open face to add loft.

Ball positioned far forward in the stance: the clubface returns to square later, and the ball doesn't slice.

The team takes the ball a little further up the field.

Choose a club one size larger: the ball doesn't travel as far when hit high.

Release, but step over with your left foot.

Mistakes to Avoid

Leave the ball in its usual spot and use your body to drive it up.
Shift your weight to your right foot and stay there.
If you start the swing from the top, you lose power.
Open the clubface without moving the ball forward: the shot will slice.
Stick with the same club: the high ball travels a shorter distance.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

A few shots with the same iron, the ball positioned forward and the clubface slightly open
Compare the height with shots played at address
Make sure the weight is on your left foot as you cross the finish line
Note the distance lost to determine how many clubs to add

Your Questions

Why move the ball forward if you're opening the clubface?

Jack Nicklaus explains that an open clubface with the ball positioned normally causes the ball to slice. When the ball is positioned further forward in the stance, it is struck later: the clubface has time to return to square, and the club makes contact with the ball a little higher on the swing path.

Do you have to stay behind the ball to make it rise?

Yes, but thanks to the ball's position—not by staying on the right foot. Nicklaus relaxes the club as he swings past the left side; otherwise, the power is lost.

How many clubs should we add this time?

He recommends probably using one more club to clear an obstacle, since a high shot doesn't travel as far.

Is this shot useful for anything other than hiding behind a tree?

Yes, with a tailwind: a high shot takes advantage of the wind to gain distance and stops quickly on the green.

Learn More

All “Irons - Compressing the Ball” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All “Obstacles & Struggles” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All videos on “Ball Position by Club” →Find the lesson that's right for you 5 Pro Tips from Tommy Fleetwood: From the Drive to the GreenFive habits from the Tour: placing the tee in front of the ball when using a driver, no calling out shots with irons, planning chip shots in advance, keeping a distance log, and reviewing the round afterward. Irons Downwind and on Slopes: The Morikawa SchoolRead the lie and the wind, then choose between two shots: Morikawa demonstrates three shots with an iron and a wedge—downwind, downhill, and uphill. Choosing the Right Shot with the Iron: Nelly Korda and Rickie FowlerThree pins between 179 and 193 yards, with a left-to-right wind: Korda sticks with her draw, while Fowler picks his club, start line and intermediate target. Jack NicklausAll of his lessons

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