Understanding the Different Shot Types in Golf

There is a lot of information that goes into a golfer’s decision regarding the type of shot that they will play such as the weather, condition of the course, how far they want to hit the ball and their club selection. After all, nobody said golf was a straight-forward sport! It can actually take many years for players to fully grasp how to use a certain shot to their advantage as ones that may look counterproductive can actually be quite beneficial depending on the situation at hand. Read on as we explain what each of the shots in golf mean and why they may be implemented…

Putt: As a short-distance shot, putting usually takes place on the green. It is one of the most difficult aspects of golf to perfect because it involves reading the situation effectively in order to send the ball in the correct direction without under or over shooting. Accuracy and precision are two major factors in putting and may be the difference between a birdie or a bogey.

Chip vs Pitch: There is one factor that separates a chip shot from a pitch shot, and that is distance. From a basic perspective, chipping is just a shorter type of shot and typically requires a putting motion in order to master whereas a pitch shot is played with a club that has high loft in order to generate steep ascent and descent.

Punch: When you want to keep the ball close to the ground, it is best to opt for a punch shot. This approach will help you avoid trees and canopies by lowering the trajectory of the ball and can be carried out by altering your stance and swing during the address.

Flop: Effectively the opposite of a punch shot, a flop is a type of shot that is carried out with the intention of increasing trajectory and getting the ball out of a hazard like a sand bunker or the rough. It is important to remember that this approach will typically stop the ball in its tracks as soon as it hits the ground.

Lob: It is hard enough trying to get the ball onto the green without having to factor rolling into the equation, but this is where a lob shot comes into play. Golfers will typically use this when they want to play a short shot with a lot of height and brake, however it is thought to be one of the most difficult to master.

A lot of golfers will learn the different types of shots that are used in golf over a period of many years and recognise how they can be utilised effectively through consistent practice. A golf simulator is a great way to harness your skills and develop your gameplay without any of the distractions found on the course, allowing you to implement shots you may have never used before and learn how they work best. Of course, some of the most difficult shots are typically only used by professionals who dedicate their life to understanding golf in its entirety. To find out more information, get in contact with a member of the ProTee team today!