Approach shots
The Fundamentals of Approach Shots
Build a reliable approach-shot framework: good yardage, sensible target, committed club, and a swing that controls contact first.
What an approach shot needs to do
An approach shot is any shot played with the intention of finding or threatening the green. It doesn’t have to be spectacular. From 140 yards, a ball finishing 25 feet under the hole is often a better result than a flushed shot at a tucked flag that ends short-sided in a bunker.
The four basics
- Know the carry number. Front edge, pin, and back edge all matter.
- Match the lie. Flyer lie, downhill stance, wet rough, or bare turf changes the shot.
- Choose the right miss. Long, short, left, and right are not equal.
- Control tempo. Approach swings reward balance more than violence.
A simple decision routine
Before pulling a club, ask: What happens if I miss? If the pin is back-right over a bunker, the smart target may be the middle of the green. If the green slopes hard front-to-back, landing short and releasing can beat trying to stop a low-spin long iron.
Practice checkpoint
Hit ten balls to one target with the same club. Don’t judge only the best strike; look at the whole pattern. If eight balls finish short, you don’t have a swing problem as much as a club-selection problem.
Summary
Good approach play is built on clear numbers, realistic targets, and repeatable contact. Do those well and the putts get shorter without forcing hero shots.