How to play the shots that will win the Masters

The shots that will win the Masters and how to play them
The shots that will win the Masters and how to play them
(Image credit: Getty Images)

We pick out five key shots that are crucial to mastering Augusta National and show you how to play them

How to play the shots that will win the Masters

Every winner of the Masters down the years has pulled off memorable, dramatic shots to earn their green jacket. But it's perhaps the shots you don't remember that they pulled off with ease that helped them remain in contention come Sunday afternoon. Here, we pick out the five key shots needed to get round Augusta National and show you how to put them into play at your course...

THE FIVE KEY SHOTS

Shot 1: Hit the draw

There are quite a few doglegs at Augusta that require the players to shape the ball from right-to-left, most notably on the back nine at the 10th, 13th, 14th and 17th. In this video tip, GM Top 25 coach Barney Puttick has a great drill to help you create that strong draw shape off the tee.

Shot 2: Conquer sloping lies

Augusta is known for its changes in elevation so the players will frequently encounter having to play approach shots from uneven lies. In this video, GM Top 25 coach Andrew Reynolds demonstrates how to hit a good shot with the ball below your feet.

Shot 3: Chip from tight lies

We all know the fairways and run-off areas at Augusta are immaculately prepared and consequently, the players will be faced with some tricky chip shots from very tight lies. The key is to bruise the ground and use the bounce, as GM Top 25 coach explains in this video tip.

Shot 4: Generate greenside backspin

The lightning fast greens at Augusta mean that the players need to come up with ways to stop the ball when chipping on to them. Most of the players will put new wedges with fresh grooves into their bags but sometimes that's not enough, your technique needs to generate maximum spin. In this video by GM Top 25 coach Paul Foston, you can find out how.

Shot 5: Lag putting consistently

The greens at Augusta are large and severly undulating so lag putting well from distance is key if you're to save par. In this video tip, GM Top 25 coach Barney Puttick explains how you can do it too.

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Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x