The punch shot is something you may have heard of when watching professional golf tournaments on television. However, many beginner golfers are unsure what a punch shot is and how to play it successfully.
A punch shot is a low, penetrating shot often played towards the green when there is a strong wind or an obstacle, such as a tree branches, in the way. The low flight of the ball helps to keep it out of the wind and remain on its intended direction, with less spin than if the ball was sent higher in the air.
If the green has an open front, with no hazards to avoid, the punch shot can make a good choice, especially if the standard chip shot has been letting you down throughout the round.
Punch shots can be difficult to perfect and if you are playing regularly with a group of beginner golfers, it is unlikely you will have seen a punch shot played on the course. However, it can be mastered with practice.
If you are on the golf course and the wind is whipping around or some over-hanging branches are causing a problem, you may want to avoid using the 8 or 9 iron when playing an approach shot to the green and opt for a punch shot. Instead of pulling out the 8 iron, go for either the 5 or 6 iron. It does not really matter which of the two you use, so pick the one you feel more comfortable with.
When playing the punch shot, you need to have just over half your body weight on the front foot and the ball slightly back in your stance. Your body weight will not be behind the shot and this position will help to keep the ball flight low.
Try and keep this body position throughout the backswing as much as possible. Swing back using your arms and hands and do not use the body. This will feel different to a standard swing and takes practice. The backswing must be slightly shorter than usual and you can gauge this by taking your hands no further up than shoulder height.
The name ‘punch shot’ encourages many players to try and hit the ball hard but what you really need is a nice, easy swing.
Think about pushing the ball forwards with your club and continuing with the follow through. However, you do not want a long follow through, around level with the shoulders is plenty.
Remember, playing the shot too hard will send the ball higher in the air and that’s the last thing you want to happen.
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