It's one of the trickiest little shots in golf: your ball has rolled to the edge of the green and stopped against the collar, the band of longer grass around the fringe. A normal putt will snag in the grass behind the ball; a normal chip risks catching the grass first. There are several clever ways to handle it.
Why it's difficult
The longer grass behind the ball catches the club before impact, slowing it down or twisting the face. That leads to short, wobbly or mishit shots.
Option 1: The bellied wedge
- Take a sand wedge or pitching wedge.
- Hold it like a putter and hover the club so the leading edge is level with the middle of the ball.
- Use a putting stroke, striking the ball's equator with the leading edge.
The ball rolls like a putt, without grass interfering. Practise to judge distance.
Option 2: Putter with a steeper stroke
- Lift the putter slightly above the grass behind the ball.
- Make a slightly steeper, firmer stroke.
- Works best when the grass behind is short or sparse.
Option 3: Hybrid or fairway wood
- Grip down and use a putting stroke.
- The wide sole glides through the grass.
- The ball pops out and rolls. Read hybrid golf clubs explained.
Option 4: A chip with a steeper strike
- Ball back, hands forward, steeper strike to minimise grass contact.
- Riskier, but useful when the rough behind is thick.
Choosing the option
| Situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| Short grass behind, smooth green | Putter |
| Thick collar behind the ball | Bellied wedge or hybrid |
| Long distance to the hole | Hybrid or putter |
| Very thick rough behind | Steeper chip |
Read chip or putt? How to choose.
Practice
Drop balls against the collar on the practice green and try each method, noting distances. Read golf practice games.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bellied wedge?
A shot where you strike the ball's equator with the leading edge of a wedge using a putting stroke.
Can I putt when my ball is against the rough?
Sometimes, with a steeper stroke, if the grass behind isn't too thick.
Why use a hybrid around the green?
Its wide sole glides through grass, producing a smooth roll.
Is the collar part of the green?
No. It's part of the general area, so you can't mark and lift your ball there.
The bottom line
When your ball rests against the collar, avoid the grass behind it: try the bellied wedge, a steeper putt or a hybrid with a putting stroke. Practise them so you're ready. For more short-game help, read how to chip in golf.