The Lob Shot

You might not become Phil Mickelson overnight, but these few tips will help you add this vital scoring shot to your short game repertoire. Confidence, trusting your swing and letting the club do the work are all essential here, so practice it well before you try it on the course!

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

• Today players have a selection of different lofted wedges to choose from, with the 60 degree wedge often referred to as the lob wedge. This club is capable of getting the ball up quickly and stopping almost as soon as it lands.

• The lob shot however is a high risk shot. The first thing you must assess is how is the ball lying? To play a lob shot successfully the ball needs to be "sitting up" as this enables you to slide the club under the ball.

• The key to playing these shots is to open the clubface before taking your grip; you will have your thumbs on what is normally the left side of the handle/grip. This grip enables you to keep the clubface open throughout the swing.

• Hinge your wrists early and accelerate through impact, trust that the club will pop the ball in the air for you.