Follow this PGA Tour pro’s three keys to playing a punch shot

It’s a shot we all want to be able to hit with our irons, but it’s not an easy one to pull off. The punch shot.

We’re often faced with times where we need to keep the ball low, especially if we’re playing in windy conditions.

But, how do you play the punch shot? We asked Thriston Lawrence, recent graduate to the PGA Tour, how he hits the controlled iron shot into greens.

For him, there’s three keys to playing this shot well.

1. Narrow your stance

“For me, a narrow stance is crucial for a low punch. That just makes me a bit taller in the shot, which makes me feel like I can have more control, which is what it’s all about. Being taller, I create more room for moving and rotating around the ball.

“Keeping my height through this shot is very important. Just because it’s a punch, some people dip through the shot, but that isn’t what you want. Try to keep your height and you’ll strike it better”

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2. Shorten the club

“Then, I want to grip down. That’s important because it shortens the club. I’m not someone who tries to reduce his swing speed through this shot. Instead, I try to get the club coming down a little steeper to flight it.

“But you don’t want to force this. Instead, gripping down and getting a bit more narrow will naturally help you to be more steep through the ball.”

3. Abbreviate the follow-through

“As you can see, I’m also making an abbreviated follow-through. That just helps to keep the ball lower and gives me more control. This is a brilliant shot to have in your locker.”

• This feature first appeared in issue 217 of bunkered. For more like this, take out a subscription. International subscriptions also available.

Thriston Lawrence is a Peter Millar ambassador. For more information, head to petermillar.co.uk.

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor