The art of nailing golf’s trickiest shots

“Trick shots” in golf do more than just save a round of golf; they also add enjoyment to the game.

A “trick shot” is an important part of golf, but should not be overused, said Patrik Noren, a sophomore and member of the GCSU golf team.

“You always need to use your imagination around the green,” said Noren. “However, I try not to use a flop shot for every chip I do, unless I need to. A ‘trick shot’ such as a flop shot can be very inconsistent, except for someone like Tiger Woods.”

These strokes in golf can range from a flop shot to an intentional slice. Brent Evans, a sophomore and member of Little Fishing Creek Golf Course, feels his hook (to the left) is the best shot available.

“I like to think of my gigantic hook into the woods as my most consistent shot,” said Evans. “Since I am good at it, I guess I would consider the recovery out of the woods as my best ‘trick shot.’ I get a lot of practice with this shot, but I do not mean to.”

The creative genius behind an abnormal shot adds enjoyment to the game. Not every golfer needs to be a good golfer to perfect a “trick shot,” however they must be creative, said Noren.

“Golfers need to use 100 percent creativity when the delicate touch is needed,” Noren said.

It is hard to differentiate the correct moment to use a low percentage shot in a round of golf said Andrew Markey, a sophomore accounting major.

“I usually use a ‘trick shot’ when I get into trouble,” said Markey. “Other times I pull off a ‘trick shot’ if there is a lady present that I want to impress.”

Regardless of the reason, “trick shots” are successful in low percentages and are flashy. Evans coined the term for a “trick shot” that is needed when stuck directly behind a tree.

“Shinnamagin is needed when you find your drive directly behind a tree,” said Evans. “You turn your back to the hole and bring the club straight up and powerfully down. After practice you will find your ball a 150 yards down the middle after using the Shinnamagin.”

The delicate touch of an abnormal or awkward shot can be the difference in a round. Saving strokes is the essential goal when resorting to a “trick shot,” if not simply to impress.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Apr 14 2006. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry