When it comes to the short game, it’s helpful to clearly define the shot you’re trying to hit. Golf terminology can be confusing – and often inconsistent — so having simple definitions makes decision-making much easier.
A field goal, as I define it, it’s a short game shot where the ball travels farther in the air than it spins. There are many ways to play this shot, and ideally you will discover which technique works best for you.
In general, fairway shots are played with taller clubs and higher bounces in your bag: sand wedge, lob wedge (if you have one), and gap wedge.
Below are five different ways to hit a fairway shot, depending on your comfort level and lie.
1. Standard configuration
For a base shot, set it to what I like to call a boring middle position. The clubface is square, the clubhead is centered between the heels, the grip is centered on your body, and your weight starts evenly balanced.
All three of these wedges have a rounded heel, known as a jump. As long as you avoid too much shaft tilt or a closed face, the club will glide through the terrain instead of digging in, producing a higher, smoother putt.
Be sure to let the club make contact with the ground and as you swing, let your weight naturally shift toward your lead foot so the club continues to slide forward.
2. Wedge lobe
If you’re struggling with fairway shots, try using a taller club — such as a sand wedge or lob wedge — and simplify the swing. Maintain a relatively strong arm structure and keep your arms and club wide and away from your body.
This promotes a shallower angle of attack and with fewer moving parts, it is often easier to execute consistently, especially under pressure.
3. Open face ball back
You can play a tee shot with the ball slightly back in your stance, which is especially beneficial from hard lies. However, moving the ball back reduces loft and bounce, so it’s important to open up the clubface.
To do this, first rotate the face of the open arm by twisting the grip away from the target, then place your hands on the stick. This adds loft and bounce, making up for what you lose by playing the ball farther.
4. Weight forward with open face
Another option is to favor your weight towards the lead foot – either gradually during the swing or default at address. This helps to ensure the first contact with the ball.
To prevent digging or jamming of the stick, open the face slightly. This adds bounce and provides insurance so the club can still slide when it contacts the ground.
5. Hollow wedge with less swing
Field shots often require a bigger swing because the ball needs enough energy to get high in the air. This can be uncomfortable, especially on shorter shots.
A useful alternative is to use a gap wedge and make a smaller swing. While you may give up some height, the reduced swing length lowers the risk – because the shorter the swing, the smaller the potential error.
