Golf can be challenging enough without adding additional pressure to our game. The plethora of shots available to each golfer during a round can make our head spin with choices. One of those possibilities is the high soft lob shot! This specialty shot is difficult at best and really is something that elite golfers might master. A few years ago, I decided to carry a lob wedge because I felt I needed it to take my game to the next level, but as I age I am starting to revisit that decision. For now, I will continue to carry my lob wedge and use it every few rounds or so. Before you make decisions like this, do you know how to hit a high lob shot? This is important if you choose to walk the high lofted wedge path.
Tom Watson explains best on how to hit a high lob shot. He offers a step by step ‘how to’ process that is worth sharing. One point that is important to note is that he is using a high lob shot in a very unique situation. Here, take a look:
Although Watson suggests this shot he is showing is for seniors and is easy to execute, I think it has universal appeal for amateurs thinking about practicing this shot. His methodology is sound and I use something very similar. Given the uniqueness of the high lob shot, Watson showed me that replacing my 60° lob wedge is possible. I will have to think on this more.
I have found that the high lob shot is one of the most difficult shots to hit. Swinging hard is a must and having he confidence to slide under the ball is another challenge. I guess with enough practice this specialty golf shot is one you can add to your bag, but I ask you if it is worth the effort for a shot used so infrequently? Thoughts?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Yes, Yes it is. If you’re hitting all your shots with a closed face you’re missing out. I would add one or two things to Mr. Watson’s instructions.
When taking the weak grip he advices you should have the club run more through the palm than the fingers.
He says it’s to keep the face open through the impact zone and he’s not wrong. The reason we need that is to engage the bounce so we don’t dig in. We’re looking to bruise the ground not excavate it like a normal shots divot.
Also he doesn’t say it but you can see him do it. Don’t open the face by twisting your hands, open it by turning it then gripping it or as he does by loosening his grip, twisting the club and then tightening again.
And one more thing he doesn’t mention but does. At address keep the butt of the club pointed back at your center. Don’t let your hands get forward of the ball.
I use my 56 for lob shots more often than my 60 because my 60 is less forgiving as it has half the bounce and I’m not as good as Tom. Lol
That said I have no trouble hitting lob shots. It’s about as easy as it gets with just a bit of practice. Controlling distance is where it gets more dicey. Using big swings like we need to sometimes for tiny distances takes faith. So practice is essential.
High, soft landing shots around the green is my weakness. Lol Once I learned how I started using it more than I probably should. They’re fun.
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Thanks for adding more to the conversation, Kevin.
Cheers Jim
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Jim, your post raises an interesting dilemma. Shouldn’t we be practicing shots were are going to use in play and in proportion to the amount we use them? I carry a 58 and practice the cut lob a few times during each of my practice sessions but favor chips and lower pitches much more heavily. However, only two of the four sites I practice at have a bunker and I practice less from the bunkers and more of the cut lobs. Yet, I’d guess that most amateurs play more shots out of bunkers than cut lobs. I know I do. Do I need to rethink my approach and practice more what I’ll need on the course?
Good thought provoker! Thanks,
Brian
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Hey Brian!
I hope retirement is treating you well. I agree, we should practice what we use most during the round. Interestingly, the poll I ran on X shows that many respondents use their 60° way more often than I thought. Go figure.
Cheers Jim
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