Stuck in the trees? Here’s how to hit a punch out like Rory McIlroy

A shot that we saw over and over again at the 2026 Masters is one that every average golfer needs to know: the punch out. Rory McIlroy won but even he was in the trees multiple times at Augusta National. Everyone wants to hit all of their fairways and greens, but the reality is, even the best players in the world end up in trouble. Putting a good score on the card isn’t about making zero mistakes; it’s about minimizing mistakes. And the best way to do that is by having the right shots in your toolbox to get you out of trouble.

To hit a good punch out, Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher Erika Larkin says to first choose the correct club.

“Decide on a club that will help you flight the ball down but also give you the best combination of carry and roll that you need to get out of trouble, and not into more trouble,” Larkin says. “The lower you need to hit it, the less loft you should choose.”

Adjusting your ball position will also help you hit the ball low. Larkin says to shift the ball back towards your trail leg, to the right of the middle of your stance for right-handed golfers. The farther back you play it in your stance, the lower you’ll flight it.

“Because of the back ball position, you may need to aim a little open with your foot line,” Larkin says. This is because shifting your ball position makes your swing path more in-to-out. Setting up a little open helps offset this, Larkin explains.

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Augusta National

At setup, Larkin says to shift your weight so you feel pressure on your front leg: “Keep your chest leaning to your lead side as well.”

As you swing, you want to maintain that feeling of pressure on your front foot, so your weight shift is going to be abbreviated. Keeping the weight forward helps you hit down on it, keeping the ball lower.

Your takeaway is going to depend on two things: How far you want to carry the ball, and how limited you are by the branches around you. Often, the length of your takeaway will be decided for you by the trees you’re in. But on the through swing, Larkin says to focus on following through low. You want to keep the club around hip height. Again, this move will help you flight your ball low.

Bad shots are going to happen. The best players in the world find themselves in the trees, which means you certainly will, too. The biggest difference is that when they get in trouble, they have a plan to get out. Now you have a plan for your next punch-out, too.