How To Loft Golf Ball

A lob shot in golf is your go-to move when you need to get the ball to fly high and land softly on the green. You generally use it to clear obstacles like bunkers or thick rough that lies between you and the hole. It’s an important shot to nail down if you want to be a well rounded golfer. We’re going to get into what a lob shot is, why you want to master it, and how to do it. Come along with the golf viking as we tackle lobs.

Imagine facing an uphill challenge where hitting a low shot just won’t cut it. Maybe it’s a sand trap or some gnarly rough. Perhaps your ball is sitting behind a rock wall or crevice. What’s one to do? This is where the beauty of the lob shot shines. It gives you the height to clear the hazard and enough drop to stick the landing on the green right where you want it. You’ll want to do it right, however, because not getting enough loft could get you into even more trouble if you don’t clear the obstacle. Waste of a shot, really.

Lob shots can be game-changers, especially when things get tricky on the course. They allow you to save shots and recover from what might seem like an impossible lie. The high trajectory and soft landing can also minimize the roll, keeping your ball closer to the hole. This is why every golfer should have the lob shot in their armory, because it might just help you out of a bind on the golf course. Now what club do we need for the perfect lob?

Understanding loft starts with knowing how different clubs affect trajectory. Check out our guide on what is loft in golf? for a full explanation of club design.

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Choosing the Right Equipment for Lob Shots

Getting your equipment right is half the battle won. For lob shots, the tool of the trade is typically a wedge. But not just any wedge – you’ll be looking at using a lob wedge. This little guy is designed with a high loft, usually between 58 to 64 degrees, which gives you that high-flying, soft-landing magic.

There are different kinds of wedges, which you can learn about here, but the lob wedge is specifically made for this particular shot. It’s design allows you to pop the ball up into the air to get that arc in your shot trajectory. If you don’t have a lob wedge, then you will have to fall back on another wedge that you have available. But if you are wanting to improve your golf and lob skills, eventually you will want to have a lob wedge in your bag.

Let’s break down the lob wedge. The high loft helps the ball fly up quickly, while the clubface’s bounce helps it slide under the ball cleanly. It’s almost like it lifts the ball into the air. When doing the lob shot correctly, it will go high into the air and land nice and softly on the green. These features are crucial when you’re playing from tricky lies or trying to avoid hazards. This is what the lob wedge is all about.

When picking a lob wedge, think about your play style and what feels comfortable for you. Some players like more bounce for fluffy lies, while others prefer less bounce for tighter lies. It’s also worth considering the shaft and grip – find something that balances well in your hands, giving you confidence in your swing. You will have a better idea of what you are looking for as you gain experience on the course.

Remember, it’s all about what feels right in your hands. Try out a few options at the driving range or even borrow from a buddy to see what suits you best. The right lob wedge can make the difference between a smooth up-and-down and a frustrating bunker shot. This will definitely be a club you will want to have in your golf bag for those potentially ugly situations. So how do we use the lob wedge? I thought you’d never ask.

Your swing mechanics also influence loft. Learn more in our post on mastering the golf swing to control launch angles effectively.

Mastering the Mechanics: How to Execute a Perfect Lob Shot

To nail a perfect lob shot, focus on the fine details of the process. Start with your stance. Position the ball slightly forward in your stance – this helps you hit it higher. Your feet should be close together, and your weight slightly more on your front foot. All this is so that you are getting the right swing to pop the ball in the air.

Grip the club lightly. Think of it as holding a delicate, thin stem glass – just firm enough so it doesn’t slip, but not so tight that you could break it. A lighter grip allows for a smooth, controlled swing adjusted through the shot. You don’t need to hang on to the grip for dear life, just a nice easy grasp.

For the swing, you want a steep, outside-to-in motion. Think of it as a gentle slice. This helps the clubface slide under the ball, creating that high loft. Your wrists will hinge sharply on the way back, then you unhinge them quickly through impact. Don’t be afraid to follow-through high. Imagine you’re trying to toss the ball up and over. As with any golf swing, having a nice fluid and smooth motion from backswing to downswing, and follow through with the motion to keep the ball true.

Aiming to clip the grass under the ball is crucial. You aren’t trying to take a big divot here. Instead, you want a shallow, sweeping motion that brushes the turf. The bounce of the club will do the rest, helping to lift the ball into the air. Get into the habit of sweeping the grass as you practice. You don’t want to hit the ball like you are driving it, and you don’t want to dig your club into the ground.

Avoid common mistakes like scooping or trying to lift the ball manually. Trust your club to do the heavy lifting – literally. The club is made to do this very thing, so don’t get in it’s way. Just let the club do most of the work through a smooth swing of your body. Practice this technique regularly, and you’ll see dramatic improvement over time. You will get the right motion down so that it comes naturally. So how do lob shots help your golf game?

Proper stance and ball position impact lofted shots. Review our guide on correct stance for golf to set up consistently.

Utilizing Lob Shots to Enhance Your Golf Game

The lob shot isn’t just a one-trick pony; it’s a versatile tool that can transform your approach on the green. Strategically, it can get you out of sticky situations and save strokes. Picture a hole with a highly undulating green. A lob shot can land softly, minimizing the roll and keeping you closer to your target. Having the lob shot in your repertoire will help get you out of sticky situations.

For practicing, find a spot on the range or even a practice green where you can replicate these high-pressure scenarios. Set up markers or targets at varying distances and practice hitting lob shots. It’s all about building muscle memory and confidence, knowing that you can pull off the shot when it counts. Setting targets on the practice green will give you an objective and ​help you with your accuracy​.

Real-life examples can be motivating. Look at Phil Mickelson, one of the best in the business with a lob wedge. His mastery comes from countless hours of practice, understanding the mechanics, and knowing when to use it effectively. Watch his technique and others like him. Break down their approach, learn from their swings, and adapt it to your game.

Having a good lob shot can shave strokes off your game, pure and simple. It allows you to approach the green from various lies and situations without fear. It turns potential double bogeys into saves, letting you play more aggressively while maintaining control. Knowing how to lob will give you one more tool in your tool belt. I’ll see you out on the course, using your new lob shot skills!

Generating the right trajectory requires practice. See our article on practicing golf at home for drills to improve control and feel.

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