Golf Nut, I wondered what you recommend for hitting a golf ball out of a divot? I have struggled with this and most golfers I know move the ball. But I know that technically, by the rules of golf, you are supposed to "play it as it lies". Any suggestions?

There is one particular key to hitting the golf ball out of the divot. And that is making solid contact with the ball with your golf club before you make contact with the ground. So the first focus should be a descending blow on the golf ball to make solid contact.

Also I usually recommend a shortened back swing to help you control the the club easier. I also recommend taking a little extra club and finishing with only a partial follow through. Both of these I have found to work more effectively for amateur golfers.

When I have seen golfers take a full back swing and follow through on their golf swing, it seems to be harder to make solid contact with the golf ball in this situation. So take a look at your distance and use some extra club with this method.

You can practice this at the range with just a golf tee. Stick a tee in the ground where the ball would be laying in the divot. Practice swinging so that your divot starts where the tee is and goes forward from there. After practicing this on the range, you should be more comfortable when you face this golf shot on the course.

Good luck and good golfing!