10 shots you must master to succeed playing links golf

As I taught a group during a corporate outing in Scotland recently, I was reminded of that fact that links golf is much different than the typical golf we experience in the U.S. And if you’ve never played in links-y golf conditions, it can be difficult to find success.

If you’re trying to be a successful links golfer, there are a few shots you must master. Here are 10 I recommend.

1. Standard chip shot

With so many tightly mown areas surrounding the greens, it’s important to become skilled at the standard chip shot. You’ll want something that has predictable flight and roll out so you can cozy any shot around the green close to the cup. Focus on a consistent setup and proper shaft lean to generate the best contact.

2. Bump and run

The bump and run is another stock shot you’ll want to have in the bag. This shot will come out a little lower and roll out more than your standard chip shot. Take a lower lofted club and use more of a putting stroke to get the ball on the ground and watch it roll out.

3. Pitch from tight lie

Sometimes you’ll have a shot that needs to carry a bunker, but it’ll come from a tight lie. You’d be wise to learn how to hit a pitch from these tricky spots. Focus on engaging the bounce on the bottom of the club, and make sure you’ve got wedges that are fitted for firm turf conditions.

4. Shot from a pot bunker

Pot bunkers are beautiful, but they can be tricky to escape. You’ll need to get the ball up in the air quickly, so grab a wedge that has plenty of loft on it. Open the clubface up and don’t be afraid to take a full swing at the ball – just make sure you take enough sand to pop the ball out.

5. Escape from a fairway bunker

Bunker Shots

Fairway bunkers on a links course can be punishing, and sometimes the best strategy is just taking your medicine and simply pitching out onto the short grass. When you find yourself in this situation, assess how much club you need to clear the lip and then change your ball position from there. The higher the lip, the more forward you should put the ball so you can take more sand and get a a higher launch angle.

6. Fescue chop out

Fescue outlining the edges of the course make for beautiful scenery, but can be quite penal when you hit into it. Unless you get lucky and have a perfect lie, you’ll likely be best served to just hack it back into the fairway. Choose a club with plenty of loft and make a descending blow on the ball. (You can do this by putting lots of weight on your front foot.) The ball should pop right out and get back to safety in the fairway.

7. Draw with a driver

Being able to hit a draw with your driver is a huge asset as you can keep the ball from ballooning in the wind and losing distance. If a draw isn’t your typical shot shape, use the a club wrench to adjust the settings on your driver to help you out a bit.

8. Knockdown iron

Keeping your irons down in the wind is also a must. Use a knockdown shot is the perfect way to do that. Simply take a little more club and position the ball further back in your stance. Then take a three-quarter swing. The ball should come out a bit lower with less spin and stay down out of the wind.

9. Lag putt

Links courses have some of the biggest greens in the world, so you’ll likely face your fair share of lag putts. Be sure to dial in your speed on the practice greens beforehand so you’re able to properly gauge your lags and leave yourself some stress-free two putts.

10. Understand your terrain

This is not a shot, but rather a skill you need to master before you play links golf. You’ll be playing the ball along the ground quite a bit, so understanding the land movement is a must. I’d recommend GolfLogix as a great place to start.

Golf.com