What Are the Different Types of Shots in Golf Called?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Courses & Travel

Golf is a game rich with tradition, precision, and a variety of techniques that challenge players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner stepping onto the course for the first time or an avid player looking to refine your skills, understanding the different types of shots in golf is essential. Each shot serves a unique purpose and requires a distinct approach, making the game both complex and fascinating.

From powerful drives to delicate putts, the shots in golf are as diverse as the landscapes on which the game is played. They not only reflect a player’s strategy but also their ability to adapt to varying conditions and obstacles. Exploring these shots offers insight into the artistry and skill behind every swing, helping players improve their game and appreciate the sport on a deeper level.

In the following sections, we will delve into the various shots that make up the game of golf, highlighting their characteristics and when to use them. Whether you’re aiming for distance, accuracy, or finesse, understanding these fundamental shots will elevate your experience on the course and bring you closer to mastering the game.

Common Types of Shots in Golf

In golf, the variety of shots a player can execute depends on the situation, terrain, and desired outcome. Understanding the terminology and purpose of each shot type is essential for improving one’s game.

Drive
The drive is typically the first shot played on a hole, made from the tee box using a driver or other long club. The goal of a drive is to hit the ball as far down the fairway as possible, setting up a shorter approach shot.

Approach Shot
An approach shot is any shot played with the intent of getting the ball onto the green. Usually taken from the fairway or rough, these shots are made with mid to short irons or wedges, depending on the distance.

Chip Shot
A chip shot is a short, low-trajectory shot played near the green. It is designed to fly briefly and then roll towards the hole, helping the golfer get out of tricky spots close to the green.

Pitch Shot
Pitch shots are played from slightly further away than chip shots and have a higher trajectory, allowing the ball to land softly on the green with minimal roll.

Putt
Putts are strokes played on the green with a putter. The objective is to roll the ball into the hole, often requiring precision and touch rather than power.

Flop Shot
A flop shot is a high, soft shot made with a lob wedge that helps the ball clear an obstacle like a bunker and land gently on the green.

Punch Shot
A punch shot is a low, controlled shot used to keep the ball under tree branches or in windy conditions. It is played with a shortened backswing to reduce height and spin.

Sand Shot
This shot is played from a bunker (sand trap). The goal is to splash the ball out of the sand and onto the green, typically using a sand wedge.

Specialized Shots and Techniques

Golfers often employ specialized shots to handle specific course challenges or to improve accuracy.

  • Draw: A controlled shot that curves slightly from right to left (for right-handed players), used to navigate around obstacles or shape the ball flight.
  • Fade: Opposite of a draw, fading the ball means it curves gently from left to right.
  • Hook: A more pronounced draw with a sharper curve, which can be intentional or a mishit.
  • Slice: The opposite of a hook, slicing causes the ball to curve sharply right for right-handed players, often considered an error.
  • Knockdown Shot: A shot hit with less loft and a shortened swing to keep the ball lower, useful in windy conditions.
  • Recovery Shot: Any shot played to get out of trouble, such as from deep rough, hazards, or difficult lies.
Shot Type Typical Club Used Purpose Trajectory
Drive Driver Maximize distance from tee Low to medium, high speed
Approach Shot Irons (5-9) Reach green from fairway or rough Medium to high
Chip Shot Wedges, short irons Short shot around green, roll out Low with roll
Pitch Shot Wedges Soft landing on green High with minimal roll
Flop Shot Lob wedge High, soft landing over obstacles Very high
Sand Shot Sand wedge Escape bunker High with forward roll
Putt Putter Roll ball into hole on green Very low, rolling

Common Types of Golf Shots and Their Terminology

Golf involves a variety of specialized shots, each designed to handle specific situations on the course. Understanding the names and characteristics of these shots is essential for both strategy and communication during play. Below is an overview of the primary shots encountered in golf:

1. Drive

This is the first shot played from the tee box on a hole, typically executed with a driver or a wood club. The objective is maximum distance to position the ball advantageously for the subsequent shot.

2. Approach Shot

An approach shot is aimed at getting the ball onto the green. It is usually played from the fairway or rough and requires precision to place the ball close to the hole.

3. Chip Shot

A short shot played near the green, designed to lift the ball into the air briefly and roll it toward the hole. Chips are usually executed with wedges or short irons.

4. Pitch Shot

Similar to a chip but with a higher trajectory and less roll. This shot is used to clear obstacles or hazards and land softly on the green.

5. Putt

Played on the green, the putt is a low-speed shot intended to roll the ball directly into the hole.

6. Flop Shot

A high, soft shot used to get the ball over a hazard or rough with minimal roll after landing.

7. Punch Shot

A low-trajectory shot used to keep the ball under the wind or tree branches, typically played with a shorter backswing.

8. Lob Shot

A high-arc shot used to get the ball up quickly and land softly, often executed with a lob wedge.

Table of Golf Shots and Their Key Characteristics

Shot Name Typical Club Used Purpose Trajectory Distance
Drive Driver or Wood Maximize distance from tee Medium to high Longest
Approach Shot Irons or Hybrids Reach the green Medium Medium to long
Chip Shot Wedge or Short Iron Short shot near green with roll Low to medium Short
Pitch Shot Wedge Soft landing with little roll High Short
Putt Putter Roll ball on green into hole Very low (roll only) Very short
Flop Shot Lob Wedge Clear obstacles, soft landing Very high Short
Punch Shot Iron or Hybrid Low trajectory to avoid obstacles Low Medium
Lob Shot Lob Wedge High arc, soft landing High Short

Specialty Shots and Situational Golf Shots

Beyond the fundamental shots, golf also features several specialty shots designed for specific course conditions or challenges:

  • Bunker Shot: Played from a sand trap, often utilizing a sand wedge to get the ball out of the sand and onto the green or fairway.
  • Recovery Shot: Used when the ball is in an unfavorable position such as rough, trees, or thick grass. The goal is to return to a playable lie.
  • Fade: A controlled shot that curves gently from left to right (for right-handed players).
  • Draw: A controlled shot curving right to left (for right-handed players), often used to add distance or navigate course layout.
  • Knockdown Shot: A low-flying shot that resists wind effects, achieved by reducing club loft and swing speed.
  • Shank: An unintended mishit where the ball strikes the hosel of the club, causing a severe trajectory error.

Each of these shots requires specific technique adjustments and club selections, and mastering them can significantly improve a golfer’s ability to handle diverse situations on the course.

Expert Insights on What Are The Shots In Golf Called

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Biomechanics Specialist, Sports Science Institute). Understanding the terminology of golf shots is essential for both players and coaches. Common shots include the drive, which is a long-distance tee shot; the approach shot, aimed at positioning the ball on the green; the chip shot, used for short, low-trajectory strokes near the green; and the putt, which is the final stroke to roll the ball into the hole.

James Thornton (PGA Professional and Golf Instructor). The variety of shots in golf each serve a strategic purpose. For example, a pitch shot is a higher, softer shot than a chip, used to clear obstacles and land softly on the green. A flop shot is an advanced, high-trajectory shot used to get over hazards. Understanding these distinctions helps golfers select the right club and technique for any situation on the course.

Susan Lee (Golf Historian and Author). The nomenclature of golf shots has evolved over centuries, reflecting both technique and equipment changes. Traditional shots like the drive and putt remain fundamental, while modern players often refer to specialized shots such as the punch shot, which is a low-trajectory shot designed to combat wind. This rich vocabulary enhances communication and strategy within the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the basic types of golf shots called?
The basic golf shots include the drive, approach shot, chip, pitch, and putt. Each serves a specific purpose depending on the distance and situation on the course.

What is a drive in golf?
A drive is a long-distance shot typically made from the tee box using a driver club, intended to cover maximum distance down the fairway.

What differentiates a chip shot from a pitch shot?
A chip shot is a low-trajectory shot played close to the green with minimal air time, while a pitch shot has a higher trajectory and travels farther before landing softly on the green.

What is a putt in golf?
A putt is a gentle stroke made on the green to roll the ball into the hole, using a putter designed for precision rather than distance.

What is an approach shot?
An approach shot is played from the fairway or rough with the goal of positioning the ball on the green, typically using irons or wedges.

Are there specialized shots for difficult lies or hazards?
Yes, shots like the flop shot, punch shot, and bunker shot are specialized techniques used to navigate challenging lies, obstacles, or hazards effectively.
In golf, the various shots each have specific names that correspond to their purpose, technique, and the situation in which they are played. Common shots include the tee shot, which initiates play on each hole; the approach shot, aimed at positioning the ball closer to the green; and the putt, used to roll the ball into the hole on the green. Other specialized shots such as the chip, pitch, bunker shot, and flop shot address different challenges posed by terrain and obstacles. Understanding these shot types is essential for both strategic play and improving overall performance.

Each shot in golf requires distinct skills and club selections, reflecting the complexity and nuance of the game. For example, a drive off the tee typically involves a driver or wood to maximize distance, while a chip or pitch shot demands precision and control with wedges. Recognizing the appropriate shot to use in varying conditions allows golfers to navigate the course effectively and manage their scores.

Ultimately, mastering the terminology and execution of golf shots enhances a player’s ability to communicate, strategize, and refine their technique. This knowledge not only benefits beginners in learning the fundamentals but also supports advanced players in elevating their competitive play. A comprehensive understanding of golf shots is foundational to appreciating the intric

Author Profile

Avatar
Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.