Wedge with bounce chipshot off the cart path

[Mr3Wiggle]

Freaking impressive.  Anyone else see that at the Players?

[Chas]

And the shot off the cart path with a fairway wood of some kind by Na yesterday.

Someone please explain why you would take a shot off the path rather than a free drop.  I suppose it was considered the best available option but what other options were in fact available in either case?  I didn't see enough of the footage to understand why those shots were played.

[Mr3Wiggle]

Originally Posted by Chas

And the shot off the cart path with a fairway wood of some kind by Na yesterday.

Someone please explain why you would take a shot off the path rather than a free drop.  I suppose it was considered the best available option but what other options were in fact available in either case?  I didn't see enough of the footage to understand why those shots were played.

I think the drop with the chip shot would have had to be in the rough.  I suppose if you have awesome swing dynamics you'd rather hit the ball off the cart path instead of the rough.  Cleanest lie you can get.

[Chas]

Thanks. Me, I'll take my chances from the rough any day of the week - and not just to protect the Mizunos :-) It's shots like that that make you realize just how different the game is that these guys play.

[Harmonious]

Hitting out of the rough, especially Bermuda rough, is always a crapshoot.  The hosel may grab, sending the ball way left. You may get a flyer, with the ball going any which way with no spin.  If you hit it just a touch heavy, the ball goes nowhere.

It's far easier, and more consistent, if you have a hard packed lie. You can still control the ball, as it will still have a lot of spin.  Cartpaths for the pros are no big deal, they'll just get a replacement club.

[Motley01]

Yep I see it all the time, the pros hitting off the cartpath. It's actually better for them.

I tried it once a long time ago, with some crappy clubs, and it was difficult, I just bladed it. LOL

[stealthduffer]

I remember one tournament where Phil (if I remember correctly) hit driver off the cart path. Some cool sparks - and much easier if you don't pay for your clubs! ;-) But definitely a much easier shot than hitting from rough or a sidehill lie from the rough. I did find it interesting that they said that Na was wearing metal spikes and that about 20% of the players still did.

[joekelly]

Some cart paths are rubberized, mostly for the walkers. No damage  on the club when playing off the rubbery surface.