Golf Swing Instructions-How To Hit The Approach Shot

As far as golf swing instructions go, understanding which type of approach shot to hit, as well as how to hit it, is a very important part of every golfer’s game.

Anytime you can stick your approach on the green, you could be looking at scoring a birdie or even an eagle on certain holes. But, hit a bad approach and you might be struggling just to salvage a par. With that in mind, here are some golf swing techniques to help you improve this part of your game.

Before we get started I want to mention that hitting better approach shots will take some time and practice. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it will happen if you’ll put in some effort.

In golf, there are basically three kinds of approach shots. You have the pitch shot to go with the chip shot and flop shot.

The Pitch Shot

Anytime you’re 60-100 yards from the green you’ll be hitting a pitching wedge to the green. By using your wedge you’ll have complete control on how far the ball will travel more so than any other golf club in your bag.

When lining up to hit a pitch shot, the key is to open your stance a bit. Play the ball back in your stance, meaning the ball should be parallel with your back foot.

Take a full swing with your wedge. To control distance you will choke down on the club. It’s going to take some time on the driving range to get the distances down, but it’s time well spent.

The Chip Shot

This shot is not played as much as it should be and that’s a shame because it’s a very effective shot.

The basic premise with this golf shot is to use a lower lofted club and let the ball run up towards the hole. When I say run up I mean letting it roll two-thirds of the way to the hole.

The ideal yardage for chip shots is from just off the green to around 50 yards out. You want to use either a 7 or 8 iron for this shot.

Play the ball back in your stance so that the ball is parallel with your back foot. Keep approximately 60%-70% of your weight on your left side. The backswing will only go back halfway as will the follow through.

The Flop Shot

Of all the different approach shots, the flop shot is the most difficult. It is also one that is used only in certain situations.

Have you ever watched Phil Mickelson hit a shot from off the green that flew over a bunker to a tight pin placement? He is a magician with this golf shot.

To hit this shot you’ll use a 60 degree wedge. Play the ball back in your stance and use an open stance. Your goal is to get the ball to go straight up so it clears the hazard in front of you, but lands softly and stops immediately.

While these golf swing instructions have only touched on the basics of these shots. With practice, you can be hitting better approaches and lowering your scores.

Do You Have Any Comments About Golf?

Tell us what you're thinking!