3 Golf Shots You Didn't Know You Needed

I think it would be fair to say that a round of golf rarely goes exactly to plan, so when problems arise it's worth having a few dependable recovery shots to rely on.

In this video and article, Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Alex Elliott introduces three go-to shots that could help you escape trouble unscathed...

3 golf shots you didn't know you needed

1. Hybrid chip and run

For those of you that are not confident chippers, or if you find yourself in a tricky lie around the green, opting to chip with your hybrid could be a stroke of genius. In the video above, I have quite a lot of fringe to go through, and this shot gives the ball a little more loft before it starts rolling like a putt.

To play it, walk in a little bit closer than you would normally with a hybrid and hold it right at the bottom of the grip, as shown in the video. Open up your left foot a little, keep your weight on your left side and just make what feels like a putting stroke. It couldn't be simpler.

2. Toe down chip shot

You may have seen this shot played by some of the best tour professionals, and it certainly makes chipping a little less daunting for amateurs. When you address the ball, make sure to align it to the toe of your wedge. Then, as I demonstrate in the video, walk in closer which will steepen the shaft angle. With your grip, make sure you go low down the club, until you are almost touching the steel of the shaft.

Keep your weight on your lead side and make a very simple motion that resembles an extended putting stroke. With the toe down, the heel won't dig into the ground and cause the dreaded chunk, allowing you to slide the club under the ball much easier. You can use this technique with any of your wedges and it offers a nice, safe greenside option.

3. The punch shot

The final shot in this list is a low punch shot. While the scenario in the video is extreme, the steps to execute the shot are the same. This shot is so valuable when you are in trouble on the golf course, and you can easily repeat it with these five steps.

Firstly, you need to consider club selection. If the yardage usually calls for a 7-iron, I'd advise clubbing up at least once but maybe even twice. Next, change your grip in a similar way to the toe down chip shot, getting low down the club towards the steel. This will help to keep the ball flight down.

The third compensation is all about the ball position; move it further back in your stance to lower the flight. Fourth, I want you to keep your weight on your lead side throughout the shot, and finally, just make a shoulder height swing going back and through. 

Give each of these shots a practice next time you have 30 minutes to go to the practice range. You will find yourself getting out of trouble without leaking unnecessary shots.