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The Punch Shot

A properly executed punch shot can help the average player lower their score by 3-5 strokes per round; so why don’t we practice this shot??

The Punch Shot should be used when a player has a limited back swing, foliage in and around your golf ball, on a very windy day, or when overhanging trees may not allow for a normal trajectory shot. The goal with a punch shot is to get the golf ball out of trouble and back into play, avoiding any more penalty shots or unnecessary strokes.

The 4 keys to executing the Punch Shot:

  1. Grip down on the golf club (almost to where the grip meets the shaft) for more control.
  2. Place your hands slightly forward to de-loft the golf club, which will help keep the ball trajectory low.
  3. The ball position should be placed just back of center in your stance to encourage a descending blow to the ball and to also promote a lower ball flight.
  4. Using a three quarter swing with just the upper body and arms, strike the golf ball without releasing the hands and finishing with the golf club low towards the target.
  5. The longer your swing the farther the shot will travel.

Practice the punch shot on the practice area and lower your score!

Submitted by Craig Morton, PGA Head Golf Professional at The Colony Golf & Country Club.