How to keep the ball under the wind or trees and on a controlled target line!


Figure 1 (below) shows the setup position for a knock down shot.  The ball is positioned back of the center of your stance with the weight positioned more to the forward foot.

Figure 2

There are only a few things that are going to change in the swing to hit this shot.  You will keep your weight forward throughout the shot and you will need to stop the club on the follow through so it is parallel to the ground with the butt of the shaft pointing in to your belt buckle.  The club will be pointing down your target line, once the clubhead stops moving that is when your head comes up and follows the ball. 

The most common mistake in hitting a punch shot is letting the club "flip" up after impact. (see picture below)  Once the clubhead flips up the ball will go up too.   

The best way to practice these shots is with a slow swing, only hitting the ball with 30% of your power.  Once you can control the clubhead at that pace slowly build it up until you get to a full swing.

Tip submitted by Adam Andrew, Staff Instructor. Check with any one of the instructors at the Del Mar Golf Center to see how these ideas can apply to you and your golf swing.