Recovery shots
Beginner vs Advanced Approaches to Recovery Shots
For a recovery shot, how the same shot changes as golfers gain control, imagination, and better judgment.
Beginner priority: get safe
Beginners should use recovery shots to reduce damage. With the next shot protected, pick the biggest gap, the simplest club, and the swing that gets the ball back where the next shot is normal. Before the hero gap tempts you, fancy is optional; playable is mandatory.
Advanced priority: choose the best miss
With the next shot protected, better players can add curve, spin, and trajectory. With the next shot protected, the real upgrade, though, is judgment. With the next shot protected, they know when to attack a back pin and when to leave 30 feet uphill.
| Player | Main goal | Best habit |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Back in play | Choose the widest route |
| Improving | Predictable contact | Rehearse landing spot |
| Advanced | Scoring angle | Match risk to reward |
Same rule for everyone
With the next shot protected, if you cannot describe the shot in one sentence, you probably have not chosen it yet.