A forced carry is a shot where you must fly the ball over a hazard, such as water, a ravine, a canyon or a waste area, to reach safe ground. Island greens, completely surrounded by water, are the ultimate example. These shots look intimidating, and fear often causes the very mishit you're worried about. With the right club, target and mindset, you can play them confidently.
Know the numbers
- Carry to clear the hazard, not just to the green or flag.
- Carry to the safe target.
- Your real carry distances, not your best shots. Use our club distance chart.
Read rangefinder vs GPS.
Choose your club
- Take enough club: most golfers under-club over water.
- Allow for wind and elevation. Read how to play golf in the wind.
- Pick a club you trust, even if it means a longer putt.
Pick a safe target
- Island greens: aim for the middle of the green, regardless of the pin.
- Tee shots over water: aim for the widest part of the fairway beyond the hazard.
- Diagonal carries: decide how much to bite off, and choose a line that suits your carry.
Read golf course management.
Consider the alternatives
- Layup: on par 4s and par 5s, there may be a safe layup short of the hazard.
- Alternative route: some holes have a longer, safer way around.
- Forward tees: play from tees that make the carry comfortable. Read which tees should I play?.
Manage the fear
- Look at the target, not the water.
- Visualise the ball landing safely. Read golf visualisation.
- Use your normal routine. Read golf pre-shot routine.
- Smooth tempo: don't try to hit harder. Read golf tempo and rhythm.
- Commit: a tentative swing is the most likely to find the water.
If you find the water
- Penalty area options: stroke and distance, back-on-the-line relief, or lateral relief for red penalty areas. Read penalty areas and out of bounds.
- Drop zones: many island greens and forced carries have a drop zone, often a good option.
- Use a spare ball you don't mind losing. Read used golf balls.
Practice
- Practise carrying a target on the range, such as a bunker or a line.
- Know your carry with each club on a launch monitor. Read launch monitor numbers explained.
Frequently asked questions
How much club should I take over water?
Enough to carry the hazard comfortably with an average strike, plus allowance for wind and elevation.
Where should I aim on an island green?
The middle of the green, regardless of the flag.
What if I keep hitting into water?
Take more club, aim for the safest target, consider a layup and focus on your routine and tempo.
What is a drop zone?
A designated area where you may drop a ball, under penalty, after hitting into a penalty area, if the local rules allow.
The bottom line
Forced carries and island greens reward good numbers and a calm mind. Know your carry, take enough club, aim for the widest target, consider a layup when the carry is marginal and commit to a smooth swing. For more strategy, read how to read a golf hole.