How to Hit A Lop Shot in Golf

How to Hit A Lop Shot in Golf

The lob shot — a high, soft chip shot that lands gently and stops quickly. If you’ve ever watched professionals like Phil Mickelson, you’ve likely seen this impressive shot executed perfectly. While it may seem like an advanced skill, with the right technique and practice, you too can learn how to execute it effectively.

Why Should You Use the Lob Shot?

The lob shot is particularly useful in situations where you have little green to work with. This occurs when there is a bunker, rough, or slope between you and the hole, and you need the ball to land softly and stop quickly. The high trajectory makes this shot effective when you don’t have the luxury of letting the ball roll a long distance after landing.

It’s not just a flashy shot — in certain conditions, it’s essential for controlling distance and height. The lob shot can also be a great way to refine your short game skills because the same technique can be applied in bunker shots, allowing you to become proficient in various scenarios.

The Setup: Foundation of a Great Lob Shot

1. Use the Highest Lofted Club: Start by choosing the wedge with the most loft. Ideally, this will be a 60-degree lob wedge, but a sand wedge can also work if necessary. Make sure it’s a wedge designed for short-game precision, not a club that mimics the shape of an iron.
2. Open the Clubface: Rotate the clubface open significantly to increase the loft. Think about it this way: if you could balance a glass of wine on the clubface, you’re probably in the right position. The more you open the clubface, the higher the ball will fly.
3. Lower Your Hands: After opening the face, the club will naturally point more to the right. To counteract this, lower your hands to adjust the club’s direction. You’ll do this by standing a little further from the ball, widening your stance, and bending your knees more than usual. This lowers the hands and aligns the clubface to point straight ahead despite its open position.
4. Ball Position: Move the ball slightly forward in your stance. This will help you sweep the ball upward, producing the high trajectory you’re aiming for.

Executing the Lob Shot

1. Make a Full Swing: Don’t be afraid to take a larger swing than you might for a standard chip shot. You’ll need to engage your wrists more, allowing them to hinge on the backswing and release on the downswing. This wrist action is essential for generating height.
2. Follow Through: As you release the club, ensure your body is turning through the shot. This prevents the arms from overextending or collapsing, ensuring the clubface remains open and the loft is maintained throughout the swing.
3. Swing with Confidence: One of the most common mistakes golfers make when attempting a lob shot is not committing to the swing. Because the shot is primarily about height rather than distance, you need to swing with the appropriate speed to launch the ball high. Trust the open clubface to take care of the height — don’t try to scoop the ball.
4. Hit Under the Ball: Despite wanting the ball to go high, your main goal is to hit down on the ball and let the loft of the club do the work. If you try to lift the ball manually, you’ll likely top it, sending it way too far or thinning the shot.

Situations Where the Lob Shot Shines

1. Close to the Green with a Short Pin: If you’re only 10–20 yards from the green but need to land the ball softly without much roll, the lob shot is your go-to solution.
2. Over a Bunker or Obstacle: When facing a bunker or a patch of thick rough between you and the hole, the lob shot allows you to safely carry over the obstacle and land softly on the other side.
3. Tight Lies or Uphill Lies: An uphill lie can make it easier to get the ball up in the air. On these types of lies, the lob shot becomes a natural solution for sticking the ball close to the hole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the Lob Shot Too Frequently: While the lob shot is impressive and useful, it’s not always the best choice. It’s a high-risk shot, especially for amateur golfers, and should be used sparingly — only when necessary.
• Trying It from a Bad Lie: The lob shot requires a good lie for successful execution. Avoid attempting this shot from hard surfaces or when the ball is buried in deep rough.
• Not Committing to the Swing: Fear of over-hitting the ball leads to under-swinging. You need to swing confidently, trusting that the loft will do the job of getting the ball high.

Practice Makes Perfect

Because the lob shot is a high-risk shot, it’s important to practice it extensively before bringing it into play on the course. Start on the range or practice area from uphill lies or semi-rough, as this will make it easier to get the club under the ball. As your confidence grows, challenge yourself with flatter or even downhill lies.

When to Use the Lob Shot

The lob shot can be a powerful addition to your short game, but it’s important to understand when to use it. Opt for this shot when you need to carry an obstacle or when you have very little green to work with. Avoid it in low-risk situations where a standard chip will suffice.

Once you master the technique, the lob shot becomes a great tool in your arsenal, adding versatility to your short game and giving you a creative solution for tricky situations. Remember, like any advanced shot, practice is key to building confidence and consistency.