Punch shot tips

In this video lesson, Golf Monthly Top 25 Coach Clive Tucker offers his golf punch shot tips to help you control the flight of your approach shots

The punch shot is one of the most important shots for golfers of all abilities to learn. Playing in the wind is not uncommon for any of use so staying in control when conditions are tough requires you to develop a good punch shot.

There are two ways of hitting a punch shot. The first involves taking more club and simply swinging a little softer than usual. This works because with less swing speed, you produce less backspin and with less backspin there is less lift through impact. However, this can be hard to control both the distance and accuracy. So as far as my golf punch shot tips are concerned, I would advocate a different method altogether.

Golf Swing Tips

You can control the flight of the shot by making a couple of very simple changes at address and then restricting the follow through. Again, you will need to take at least one extra club and set the ball back in your stance a little at address. This will mean that your sternum and your hands are ahead of the ball – essentially, this set up position is de-lofting the club for a lower flight.

Make a three quarter backswing and then drive through impact with your usual weight shift onto your left side. The main difference is with the follow through that needs to be as short as you can make it (watch the video that accompanies this to see what I mean...). By holding onto the finish as much as possible, you’ll be reducing the clubhead speed created by a full release at the key moment. A little less speed will mean a little less backspin, less lift and so you'll find a lower flight more easily.

If the wind is really blowing, you must ensure you don't try to hit the ball too hard. More speed equals more backspin and you must be aware of this. So I would advise, if the breeze is up to use at least one more club if not, two. This way you can control the rhythm, pace and ultimately, the flight of the shot. Read Andy Sullivan's advice on controlling flight.

This will help you reduce the flight without forcing you to make any other changes to your golf swing. Try this on the range and you should see just how easy a powerful punch is to hit.

Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 


Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X