Driving into the sun video

Try these simple pre-shot tips from Neil Plimmer next time you're faced with a tee shot straight into the blinding sun.

Try these simple pre-shot tips from Neil Plimmer next time you're faced with a tee shot straight into the blinding sun.

Try these tips for driving into the sun if you struggle with any blind shot as you tend not to stick to a consistent pre-shot process.

It is late in the afternoon and I’m faced with a drive directly into the sun. This is a scenario we all face from time-to-time. The key to success lies with your pre-shot process.

Firstly, take in as much detail about the hole as you can. If you know the hole, picture the fairway with bunkers and rough.

If you don’t, use the course planner or even just the card to build a picture in your mind. This will give you a feel for where to aim.

Now make a rehearsal swing and picture the ball flying off towards your target. Once you’ve done this, don’t hesitate, pull the trigger.

What this process does is help you plan the shot and then create a positive mindset. By moving straight into the shot you won’t let tension build.

Don't worry about trying to keep an eye on where the ball goes. This may cause you to life your head early. Let your playing partners watch for the ball whilst you concentrate on making a positive swing.

Key tips

  • Take in as much detail about the hole as you can.
  • Use your memory to picture the features of the hole if you know it, or a course planner if you don't.
  • All this will give the confidence of where to aim so you can make a committed swing.
  • Make a rehearsal swing and imagine the ball flying off towards your intended target in the distance.
  • Once you've complete the rehearsal swing, don't hesitate to pull the trigger.
  • This process helps you plan the shot and then create a positive mindset to allow you to make a committed swing.
  • Moving straight into the shot will reduce the likelihood of tension building.
Thomas Patrick Clarke
Sports Digital Editor


Tom Clarke joined Golf Monthly as a sub editor in 2009 being promoted to content editor in 2012 and then senior content editor in 2014, before becoming Sports Digital Editor for the Sport Vertical within Future in 2022. Tom currently looks after all the digital products that Golf Monthly produce including Strategy and Content Planning for the website and social media - Tom also assists the Cycling, Football, Rugby and Marine titles at Future. Tom plays off 16 and lists Augusta National (name drop), Old Head and Le Touessrok as the favourite courses he has played. Tom is an avid viewer of all golf content with a particularly in depth knowledge of the pro tour.