In this article, we will explore the best shot options for playing a short approach shot that is around 80 to 100 yards. Mike Davis, the director of instruction at Royal Links in Las Vegas, shares his expertise on this topic. As a course that replicates famous holes from British Open rotation courses, Royal Links requires players to use punt shots or low shots, making Mike’s insights valuable for golfers looking to improve their game.
Mike Davis discusses three shot options for short approach shots: a full swing with a lob wedge, a three-quarter swing with a sand wedge, and a punt shot with a pitching wedge. Each shot is designed to cover the same distance, but they have different characteristics and advantages.
The first option is a full swing with a lob wedge, which Mike hits about 80 to 85 yards. However, he mentions that using a club with a lot of loft, like a lob wedge , can lead to inconsistency in contact. It’s difficult to hit the ball square with a club face that has a lot of loft. Despite this challenge, a full swing with a lob wedge can provide more distance and height on the shot.
The second option is a three-quarter swing with a sand wedge. Mike explains that this shot requires a slightly smaller swing, stabilizing the weight and only going about shoulder high on both sides. The sand wedge shot comes in lower and lands a little bit short of the pin. It doesn’t have as much spin, so it releases forward upon landing. This shot is particularly effective when the pin is located at the back of the green.
The third shot option is a punt shot with a pitching wedge. For this shot, Mike keeps his weight on his left foot and doesn’t have a weight transfer. He swings to just below shoulder high and keeps his wrist firm through impact. This shot is ideal for situations where the wind is against the golfer or when the pin is at the back of the green. The pitching wedge shot allows for more control and a lower trajectory.
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Mike emphasizes the importance of figuring out which shot works best for each individual golfer. It’s essential to practice all three shots and determine which one provides the most comfort and consistency. Like a coach managing a team, golfers should be able to substitute different shots depending on the situation. If there’s wind or the pin is at the back of the green, opting for an easier shot with a pitching wedge might be the better choice than a full swing with a lob wedge.
By practicing these different shot options, golfers can improve their short approach game and lower their scores. It’s crucial to understand the characteristics and advantages of each shot and choose the one that suits the situation best. Whether it’s a full swing with a lob wedge or a punt shot with a pitching wedge, each shot has its own benefits and considerations. By experimenting with these shots and finding the one that works best for you, you can become more confident and consistent in your short approach game.
