There’s nothing more satisfying than a flush drive of the tee.
But while blasting the ball 250+ yards down the fairway will stroke your ego, rounds are won and lost on approach shots.
If you’ve got a great mid-range game and consistently put your approach shots close to the pin, you’ll have no problem beating a player who tries to take on the course with brute force.
Which is why we’ve put this guide together showing you how to improve approach shots with tips from our own professionals.
What is an approach shot?
An approach shot is typically any shot between 30 and 100 yards from the pin.
Better approach shots are key to bringing your scores down because hitting these shots consistently well and getting good position on the green puts you in a better position for your putting.
So you should give approach shots the time and attention they deserve the next time you head to the course or to practice on the driving range.
How to improve approach shots
Choose the right club
Your club selection is arguably the most important element of your approach shots.
This is because the club you use will determine the angle the ball comes at the green.
Have a read of this blog about golf club distances if you want to know more about that topic.
With a wood or a low iron, the ball is coming in at a shallower angle and is more likely to roll aggressively when it hits the grass.
So if the ball lands in the middle of the green with these clubs, there’s a big chance it’ll go off the other side.
But if you approach the green from a loftier angle (like you’ll achieve with a high iron or wedge) the ball will land softer and likely stay within a few feet of its landing zone.
The best way to get to know your ability with each club is the get to know your clubs inside and out.
It’s not always smart to go pin-hunting
You don’t always have to be in attack mode on the course.
Sometimes playing safe and consistent is the best strategy.
Remember, hitting better approach shots is about getting the ball on the green and giving yourself the best chance of a one putt.
If being overly aggressive risks sending your ball for a swim or disappearing into the trees, it might be best to go a club less and aim for a safer section of the green rather than landing on the flag.
For example, if the hole is situated dangerously close to a sand trap, is it the best policy to aim for the hole?
Probably not. You’d be much safer aiming for the opposite side of the green, where there’s more space.
Landing the ball here will still give you a great chance at sinking a putt.
Adjust for your accuracy
Even the best golfers struggle to hit the ball dead straight every time.
If you know you tend to drift the ball a few inches left or right with a particular club, make sure you adjust your aim accordingly.
This is why attacking the pin on every approach is a bad idea.
Rather than gamble everything on landing within six inches of the flag, choose a patch of grass within a few feet instead to give yourself some room for error.
If you really struggle to hit the ball straight, then it might be worth taking some time at the driving range or getting some lessons to see if there are any small changes you can make to your swing.
Take slope into account
Your approach shots might be on-point consistently.
But hitting the green isn’t always the best policy, especially if there’s a slope involved.
The last thing you need is to land on the green, only for it to roll straight off and end up in a messy patch of deep rough, or a bunker.
If there’s a slope on the far side of the green, it’s better to go a club lower than normal come up a bit shorter.
If the slope is between you and hole, going up a club or putting some more power into your swing could be the best option to help you clear it.
Want to practice your approach shots? Head down to Clarkes Golf.
If you’re looking for a place to improve your golf approach shot and make your swing smoother before you head out for your next game, come see us at Clarkes Golf.
Our 27-bay driving range is the perfect place to practice your aim and push your golf limits, so you begin hitting the green far more often.
You can even have a look at a new set of golf clubs, golf clothing and other equipment in our pro shop while you’re here.
You can find us at Mill Lane, Rainford, St Helens, WA11 8LN.