Golf Shots Explained: All You Need to Know

If you’re a beginner golfer just starting to get a feel for the green, understanding the various types of golf shots is crucial to improving your game. Becoming familiar with golf etiquette and learning the intricacies behind your swings can help you refine your game, but the names and nuances of specific shots will also help you.

At Golf Swing Systems, we’re committed to helping you master every aspect of golf. Let’s dive into the essential golf shots you need to know and how our state-of-the-art training aids can help you perfect them.

Common Golf Shot Names

To be successful at golf and to improve your practice, it’s important to learn how the shots you make will be scored. Keeping score in golf boils down to the number of shots it takes you to finish each hole, with the score measured on the hole’s par number or the number of shots a 0 handicap golfer would need to complete it.

Take note of the following key golfing terminology:

• Par – the ‘default’ number of shots a zero-handicap golfer would take on a certain hole.
• Bogey – when you make one shot above par. If you score two or three shots above par, you score a double- or triple-bogey, etc.
• Birdie – when you make one shot below par for that hole.
• Eagle – when you complete the hole in two fewer shots than the par score.
• Albatross – when you complete the hole in three fewer shots than the par score.

These basic golf game terms can help beginners train like pros and begin experimenting with different shots and clubs to improve their scores. With the help of high-quality, professional golf simulation systems, the following shots can be refined with razor-sharp accuracy and intricate detail. 

The Drive

The drive is often the first shot you’ll take on a hole, typically from the tee. It’s all about distance and accuracy, setting you up for a successful approach to the green.

• Use a driver or fairway wood
• Aim for maximum distance while keeping the ball in the fairway
• Focus on a smooth, powerful swing

Tip: Practice your drive with our high-quality golf nets and mats. Our immersive golf simulators provide instant feedback on your swing, helping you fine-tune your technique for the perfect drive.

The Approach Shot

Once you’re within striking distance of the green, it’s time for the approach shot. This shot requires precision and control to land the ball as close to the hole as possible.

• Choose the right iron based on the distance
• Consider factors like wind and green slope
• Aim for accuracy over power

Tip: Use our simulators to practice approach shots on virtual recreations of world-famous golf courses.

The Chip

Chipping comes into play when you’re just off the green. It’s a short shot designed to pop the ball onto the green and let it roll towards the hole.

• Use a wedge or short iron
• Keep your wrists firm
• Focus on a smooth, controlled motion

Tip: Perfect your chipping technique with our specialised chipping nets and targets.

The Pitch

Similar to chipping but used for slightly longer distances, the pitch shot sends the ball higher into the air with less roll upon landing.

• Use a pitching wedge or sand wedge
• Open your stance slightly
• Focus on a steeper swing path

Tip: Our golf simulators offer various pitch shot scenarios, helping you master this crucial skill in a controlled environment.

The Putt

Once on the green, putting is all about precision and reading the terrain to sink the ball in as few strokes as possible.

• Use a reliable putter
• Read the green’s slope and speed
• Focus on a smooth, pendulum-like motion

Tip: Improve your skills with our putting drill recommendations and range of putting aids like gates, arcs, mirrors, and analysis systems.

The Punch Shot

Used when you need to keep the ball low, perhaps to avoid overhanging branches, the punch shot is a valuable skill for tricky situations.

• Use a lower-lofted club than normal
• Position the ball back in your stance
• Shorten your backswing and follow through

Tip: Practice punch shots safely in our golf simulators, which can recreate various obstacle scenarios.

The Flop Shot

The flop shot is your go-to when you need to get the ball high in the air quickly and stop it fast on the green.

• Use a high-lofted wedge
• Open the clubface
• Swing steeply and accelerate through impact

Tip: Master the flop shot with our specialised wedge trainers, designed to help you perfect this challenging technique.

Elevate Your Game With Premium Golf Training Aids

Mastering these golf shots takes time, practise, and the right equipment. At Golf Swing Systems, we’re dedicated to providing everything you need to improve your game. 

From our range of training aids like training mats, putting aids, and golf nets to our purpose-built golf cabins and garden studios, we have the tools to take your golf game to the next level.

Ready to elevate your golf skills? Contact Golf Swing Systems today to discover our full range of golf simulation systems and training aids.