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3 Steps to Hitting Your Recovery Shots Like Hideki Matsuyama

By Brendon Elliott, PGA
Published on

After two rounds in the books, the Arnold Palmer Invitational is shaping up like it does almost every year. Tough conditions and a stacked leaderboard seems to be the norm when the PGA TOUR makes its way to Arnie’s place at Bay Hill.
During Friday’s round, co-leader Hideki Matsuyama, who is tied with five others, had an incredible recovery shot on the third hole. Standing in the water with the ball well above his feet, Hideki nearly hold out for the eagle.
Hitting out of trouble is one of the most challenging aspects of golf, and it can range from shots out of heavy rough to navigating your way out from under a tree. These shots can undoubtedly be intimidating and often lead to high scores. But with the right approach, you can avoid having some ugly numbers on your scorecard.
Here are my go-to steps for getting out of trouble:
Step One: Assess the Situation
Take a moment to evaluate your options. Consider the ball's lie, the distance to the green, and any obstacles in your way. It is important to consider your safest play rather than looking to make a hero shot.
Step Two: Choose the Right Club
Each situation where you find yourself in trouble will pose different challenges. Choosing the right club accordingly is a crucial step.
Sometimes, you'll want to select a club with more loft to get the ball into the air, over obstacles, or out of heavy rough. In other situations, you may need less loft to keep the ball low and let it run along the ground.
Step Three: Focus on Execution
When you're ready to hit the shot, you need to have a clear picture of what you want to do before you actually pull the trigger. Take a few practice swings to get a feel for the shot, then focus on making solid contact. Being confident in the execution stage is a must.
Remember, hitting out of trouble is all about staying calm and focused. Don't let a difficult shot rattle you, and make sure you approach each shot with confidence and composure. With patience and practice, you can master the art of hitting out of trouble and perhaps hit a gem like Hideki.
Brendon R. Elliott, PGA

Sorrento, FL

Brendon Elliott

Director of Instruction, Freelance Golf Writer

[Brendon Elliott, PGA](https://brendonelliott.com/), is an award-winning PGA Professional, player-development coach and nationally recognized golf writer with three decades of experience in the golf industry. As of 2026, he has been a PGA Professional for 17 years and has earned more than 25 PGA Section and Chapter honors for his work in coaching, education and player development. In 2017, he received the PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award. ## Coaching Competitive Teenage Golfers Through [BE A GOLFER](https://beagolfer.golf/home), Brendon specializes in working with competitive teenage golfers who want to improve their performance, better understand their games and prepare for the demands of high school, junior tournament and college golf. His primary focus is [Remote Coaching](https://beagolfer.golf/remote-coaching), which allows him to remain actively involved in a player’s development regardless of location. Rather than relying on occasional lessons or isolated swing fixes, Brendon works with players throughout their competitive journey. His coaching covers much more than the golf swing. Players receive ongoing guidance in structured practice, short-game development, putting, course management, tournament preparation, performance analysis, goal setting and the mental and physical habits required to improve over time. Using video analysis, virtual coaching sessions, performance data and regular communication, Brendon helps each player understand what to work on, why it matters and how to make meaningful progress between practices and tournaments. Brendon accepts only a limited number of in-person students in Central Florida. His priority is building long-term [Remote Coaching](https://beagolfer.golf/remote-coaching) relationships with competitive teenage golfers and their families. The goal is not simply to help a young player hit better shots. It is to help that player become more prepared, more accountable and more capable of navigating everything competitive golf demands. Brendon’s career has included serving as a head golf professional, general manager, college golf educator, career development director, academy owner and longtime junior golf leader. He founded Little Linksters Golf Academy in 2008 and led the organization for more than 16 years before selling the academy in late 2024 and launching [BE A GOLFER](https://beagolfer.golf/home). ## Golf Writing and Media Brendon is also a nationally recognized and prolific golf writer and storyteller. He is the Senior Golf Writer for [Athlon Sports](https://athlonsports.com/author/brendon-elliott) and has written extensively about professional golf, instruction, player development, equipment, golf history and the people shaping the game. His work has also appeared with PGA.com, GolfWRX, PGA Magazine, MyGolfSpy and several other prominent golf media outlets. Through [One More Roll Golf Media](https://onemorerollgolf.com/), Brendon provides editorial content, feature writing, consulting and media services throughout the golf industry. His background as a coach and educator shapes the way he writes, while his work as a writer strengthens the way he coaches. He understands how to explain complicated ideas clearly, ask better questions and connect the technical, strategic and personal sides of golf.

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