Golf Digest - October 1996
The lob is a heroic shot. For safety, most short game experts advise you to get the ball rolling as early as possible. But sometimes there's not enough room to play a low-running shot, and it seems there is no way to get the ball close to the hole. That's whent he lob comes in to save par - and the day. With the lob, you made a full wing to produce a high, floating shot that sits dead upon landing. When executed correctly, it's as gratifying as a 300-yard tee shot. While a 300-yard drive may exceed your physical ability, the lob shot does not. A couple of adjustments in your setup and swing will enable you to add an effective weapon to your bag of short-game tricks, giving you an option when you think there may be none.
Knowing how to hit the lob is one thing; knowing what club to use and when is another. Before you hit this shot, always inspect the lie to determine what type of wedge you should use. If your lie is poor, the wise choice is not to play the lob at all.
Knowing how to hit the lob is one thing; knowing what club to use and when is another. Before you hit this shot, always inspect the lie to determine what type of wedge you should use. If your lie is poor, the wise choice is not to play the lob at all.
Start with your normal address position, your stance square and clubface aimed at the target.
Open the clubface by turning your clubface to the right. This will rotate the clubface clockwise. The face is now aimed right of your target. The higher and shorter your shot, the more you should open your face.
Finished Setup
The finished setup. It may appear the ball is positioned off your left toe, but actually it's the same, relative to your feet, as it was at address.
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Through Impact
Tennis racquet shows an open face.
Two swing keys will make this shot work. First, through impact keep the clubface open for as long as possible.
Large Photo: You do this by working the back of the left hand toward the sky. You can practice with a tennis racquet, which will mirror the action of the left hand. Rotating the face results in shots to the left.
Small Photo: Second, swing the club along the line formed by your feet, not out toward the target. The swing may go left, but the ball will fly straight.
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Director of Golf Instruction
Pine Meadow Golf Club
Mundelein, IL
Director of Golf Instruction
Estancia Club
Phoenix, AZ
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