[Kim Hyunjun's Theme Lesson] McIlroy's Tree Shot "Trajectory Is Key"..."Roll It or Loft It?"

Rory McIlroy is attempting a 'trouble shot' under a tree on the 18th hole of the first round at the Texas Open.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Should I roll it or loft it?"

Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) faced a crisis on the first day of the Valero Texas Open (total prize money $8.6 million) of the PGA Tour in April. At the 18th hole (par 5) of TPC San Antonio (par 72, 7,438 yards) in Texas, his second shot flew under a tree. Take a look at the . The ball was buried in thick rough, and the dense branches made even the backswing difficult. Fortunately, he managed to escape and saved a bogey with a '4-on 2-putt'.

Amateur golfers also sometimes find their ball stopping right under a tree during play. For beginners and intermediate players alike, it is wise to declare 'unplayable' and take a one-stroke penalty before focusing on the next shot. If you want to turn a crisis into an opportunity with a stylish trouble shot, start by deciding the trajectory. If the branches are dense, choose a low trajectory; if there are many obstacles below, opt for a high trajectory. Remember, the goal here is to escape no matter what.

If the ball is under the tree, a club with less loft (even if closer, a 7 to 9 iron rather than a wedge) is ideal. Professionals sometimes even use a 3-wood to roll the ball low depending on the situation. In the setup, position the ball toward the right foot, and the key is precise impact aligned with the target line. Good contact is essential to secure the fairway. The grip is adjusted by holding the shaft just above the clubhead to minimize the swing and make control easier.

If the tree is close and the swing space is limited, omit the follow-through after impact, similar to a punch shot. The golf club might hit the tree, causing injury or damage. For lofting the ball high, use a club with a large loft such as a sand wedge or lob wedge. In this case, position the ball toward the left foot and open the stance. To increase trajectory, during contact, feel as if the back of the left hand is facing the sky.

The swing size depends on the distance to the target. Naturally, first check the lie and surrounding conditions where the ball lies. A reckless shot can lead to the worst outcome. Simple shots like the 'pitch shot' and 'bump and run shot' are preferable. Instead of a sand wedge, use a pitching wedge with relatively less loft to 'tap' the ball. Directionality is good with this method. The ball lands at an appropriate spot and rolls onto the green. Knowing the distances for each wedge based on swing size is very helpful.