How to Hit a Punch Shot
Mastering the punch shot is a game-changer for golfers looking to improve their course management and scoring.
This technique lets you keep the ball down, control its trajectory, and confidently navigate challenging situations.
The punch swing is invaluable if you’re facing strong winds, low-hanging branches, or need to run the ball onto the green to avoid a hazard.
In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of executing the perfect punch from trouble. From the basics of how to hit one to advanced tips on club selection and practice techniques, we’ve got you covered.
By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to add this crucial shot to your bag of tricks and take your game to the next level.
How do you hit a punch shot?
When you are looking to hit punch shots, you should start by choosing a club with less loft than usual.
Longer clubs, such as 5-irons, are a popular play because you can take a partial swing. Plus, with less loft, the ball stays low with plenty of rollout.
Once you address the ball, you should stand closer, move your weight forward, and place it back in your stance when compared to the standard ball position.
Grip down on the club for better control, then move your hands ahead of the golf ball to create shaft lean. This shaft leaning forward helps keep your hands ahead of the ball at impact.
Take a shorter backswing and follow through to reduce shot height. This creates backspin, which helps keep the ball closer to the ground.
Your body should turn through the golf shot, but keep your hands low after contact.
How to hit a low punch shot under a tree?
A low punch shot can save your score on any hole when you’re stuck under a tree.
First, assess the space you have to work with because you won’t be able to stand a normal distance from the ball. Choose a club with enough loft to clear any roots or low branches, but get the distance you need for the next shot.
With a low punch shot, you’ll want to check all the boxes we’ve previously discussed. Position the ball back in your stance, choke down on the grip, slightly open your stance, and keep your weight on your front foot.
Take a shorter backswing since the tree will interfere. Ramp up the swing speed up as you move through the ball.
Also, keep your lead wrist ahead of the club face to trap the golf ball and send it spinning low with plenty of rollout.
What is the difference between a stinger and a punch shot?
While both stingers and punch shots keep the ball low, they have key differences.
Tiger Woods popularized the stinger, which is typically hit with a long iron or fairway wood. It produces a penetrating, low trajectory with lots of roll. Stingers are used off the tee or fairway to control distance and combat wind.
Punch shots have a higher initial trajectory than stingers but quickly drop and roll out. Stingers require more clubhead speed and are harder to master. Punch shots involve a shorter swing and are easier for average golfers to learn.
Both shots keep the ball under trouble, but stingers are offensive weapons, while punch shots are more defensive.
When should I use a punch shot?
Use a punch shot to keep the ball down and have more control. It’s perfect for windy days when a normal shot might balloon in the air.
Punch shots are also great for playing under tree branches or other obstacles, especially when you need to run the ball onto the green instead of flying it all the way there.
They’re ideal for links-style courses where running the ball is often better than flying it.
Lastly, punch shots can help you keep the ball below your opponent’s line of sight in match play, adding a strategic element to your game.
What club is best for a punch shot?
The best club for a punch shot depends on the situation, but mid-irons are often ideal. A 6 or 7-iron gives you enough loft to get the ball slightly airborne while keeping it low.
You might use a 5-iron or even a 4-iron for longer punch shots where getting distance is key. Shorter irons like 8 or 9 work well around the green or for very low shots under obstacles.
Avoid using wedges for punch plays, as their high loft makes it harder to keep the ball down.
Hybrids off the green can be effective for a low punch shot or shots from the light rough, as their wide soles help prevent digging.
How does ball position in your stance affect a punch shot?
Ball position is crucial for a successful punch shot.
Placing the ball back in your stance along the inside of your back leg helps you hit down on it more effectively. This creates a lower trajectory and more backspin, keeping the ball close to the ground.
A back ball position and low shot also naturally deloft the already lower lofted club, further reducing the shot’s height.
If you place the ball too far forward, you’ll struggle to keep it low. However, be careful not to put it too far back, or you might hit behind the ball and chunk the shot.
What are common mistakes to avoid before hitting a punch shot?
One common mistake is using too little loft, making it hard to get the ball airborne.
Another error is gripping the club too tightly, reducing your golf swing’s feel and control. You also want to avoid standing too far from the ball, as this promotes a sweeping motion instead of hitting down on it.
Don’t keep your weight on your rear foot. You want your weight forward to ensure solid contact.
Some golfers also make the mistake of taking too long a backswing, which leads to inconsistent contact, so try to stay compact with club and body.
How should you practice punch shots?
First, practice hitting punch shots by setting up targets on the driving range at various distances.
Simply hitting these types of shots without direction and distance defeats the purpose of your practice sessions, so always work out how to hit a punch shot at the golf course with a focus.
Also, try hitting punch shots from various lies, such as shorter fairway grass, longer rough-style grasses, and bunkers. Work on controlling your trajectory by trying to hit shots with lower ball flight.
How does wind impact a punch shot?
Wind significantly affects punch shots for a right-handed golfer, but often less than regular shots. A punch shot’s low trajectory helps it cut through the air, reducing the wind’s impact on the golf ball.
However, you might need to use more club with your hands forward to compensate for lost distance.
Crosswinds can also push a punch shot off line, but less than a full shot. When the wind is left to right (for right-handed golfers), aim your chip shot further left and let the wind bring it back.
For right-to-left wind, do the opposite, especially when facing gusty conditions.
How to hit a low recovery shot?
When you need to save your score and hit a low recovery shot, start by choosing a club with less loft than you’d typically use for the distance.
Place the club face on the ball back in your stance, almost in line with the inside of your rear foot.
Open your stance slightly, aiming left of the target (for right-handed golfers). Keep most of your weight on your front foot throughout the swing.
Take a shorter backswing, no more than three-quarters of your normal swing.
On the downswing, focus on hitting down on the back of the ball. Keep your hands in front of the clubhead at impact to deloft the club even more.
Finish with a low, abbreviated follow-through around your body. This technique produces a low, running shot to get you out of trouble and back in play.