Welcome to this week’s episode of How’d He Hit That? where every week we take a look at an unbelievable golf shot and help you to learn how you can use that shot in your game. This week we’re looking at Phil Mickelson’s insane shot from a bush at this past week’s Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.
Typically in this segment, the first piece of advice is to be sure to practice the shot on the range before you take it to the course, but in this instance, practicing this shot is nearly impossible. Instead, some self-reflection is required before taking on a shot like this.
Ask yourself a few questions before wailing at a ball that’s sitting up in a bush a few feet off the ground: is the ball lying in such a way that you can make good, solid contact? Are you good enough to take on and pull off the shot? Does the reward of pulling it off outweigh the possible risks?
If you decide that you still want to play the shot, there are a few tweaks you’ll need to make to your setup and swing so that you can attain the best possible result. Since the ball is above your feet, you’ll need to flatten your swing plane to create the kind of contact you’re looking for. Similarly, that unusual distance from your body should cause you to choke up slightly on the club.
While it’s not a shot you want to face, or one we even recommend trying, golf is supposed to be fun. If the opportunity presents itself, you’ll have an idea of what to do.
