Hitting the Ball

Types of golf shots

There are various types of golf shots that golfers use to navigate different situations on the course. Here are some common types of golf shots:

Drive: The drive is the first shot taken from the tee box on a hole. It is usually played with a driver and is aimed at maximizing distance while staying in the fairway.

Approach Shot: An approach shot is played from the fairway or rough with the goal of reaching the green. Approach shots vary in distance and may require different clubs depending on the distance to the hole. A long approach shot refers to a shot played from typically over 150 yards. A short approach shot refers to shots played from typically within 100 yards.

Bump and Run: The bump-and-run is a low-trajectory shot designed to land the ball short of the green and let it roll out toward the hole. This type of shot is useful in situations where the golfer wants to avoid obstacles or hazards near the green and ensure a controlled approach to the hole.

Pitch Shot: Similar to a chip shot, a pitch shot is played with a lofted club, but it is typically used from farther away from the green. It is designed to carry a longer distance and stop quickly on the green.

Chip Shot: A chip shot is played from just off the green with a lofted club, such as a wedge or short iron. It is used to get the ball onto the green and rolling toward the hole.

Putt: The putt is the final stroke taken on the green to roll the ball into the hole. It requires precision and touch to judge the speed and break of the green accurately.

Bunker Shot: A bunker shot is played from a sand bunker near the green. It requires hitting the sand behind the ball to splash it out of the bunker and onto the green.

Flop Shot: A flop shot is a high, soft shot played with a lofted club to clear an obstacle and land softly on the green.

Punch Shot: A punch shot is a low-trajectory shot played with a shorter backswing and follow-through to keep the ball under the wind or avoid overhanging tree branches.

Stinger: The stinger is a low-trajectory shot that travels on a penetrating flight path with minimal spin. It is typically used to keep the ball under the wind or to control distance on long shots.

These are just some of the many types of golf shots that players may encounter and utilize during a round of golf. Each shot requires different techniques and strategies to execute effectively, and mastering a variety of shots can help golfers become more versatile and successful on the course.