Every golfer has experienced the situation that requires them to change the trajectory of their shot. Learning how to alter the apex of a shot could benefit a player in three different ways.  First, altering the trajectory helps you avoid an obstruction such as trees, mounds, and lip of bunkers. Other times, choosing to flight the ball could help a player adapt to contour or firmness of the golf course by determining the roll out distance after the ball lands. Lastly, golfers can benefit from being able to flight the ball higher or lower to play in windy conditions.

To understand the way trajectory works, we first need to look into the ‘apex’ of a golf shot. The highest point of elevation during the ball flight typically occurs at 75%-80% of the distance the ball is traveling. If a ball was struck solidly in the middle of the clubface and the optimal dynamic loft at impact was applied, a player will generate a penetrating ball flight. Hence, maximizing the player’s potential distance. The swing speeds, the angle of attack, combined with appropriate shaft lean/loft at impact are the best recipe for a player to alter the height of a shot. Typically, we will see an average of 110 feet of apex for players that have a swing speed higher than 100mph. However, the apex will become lower as the club speed lowers as well. The elements mentioned above need to work together in order for player to apply the desired trajectory of a shot.

The best way to implement trajectory goes into the set up of the shot. Using a 7 iron as a baseline club, a standard ball position will be about one golf ball ahead of center of the stance. If a player would like to hit a lower shot, an option will be addressing the ball closer to the middle of the stance, so slightly back from original spot. Then, point the butt-end of the grip just left of belt buckle. This will provide the player more forward shaft lean, which equals to less dynamic loft at impact. Vice versa, when trying to hit it low, now we actually need to move the ball position one ball further up in the stance from standard to ensure added loft at impact. The trick is to ensure that the butt end of the club the club is still pointing close to the belt buckle, because this allow players to recreate a comfortable handle position. Regardless of the shot intended, players need to stay committed in the execution process to be able apply compression and proper club face angle.

Pro tip for flighting shots! During low shots, a player needs to be able to maintain the intended shaft lean. Imagine hitting punch shot to be able to keep the ball below a branch, during the execution part, it’s better to think and prepare to apply less loft rather than accidentally adding loft. The sensation of maintaining right wrist flexion and making sure that the pivot is completed will be key to actually seeing the intended result. Now let’s go to the opposite side of the spectrum, to hit the ball higher! Obviously, we need to apply added-loft at impact and a player can achieve this by allowing the wrist to release slightly before the ball to a point where lead arm and shaft are aligned. Players will feel as if the club head is going to catch up to hands at impact and typically this will elongate the low point of the swing.

Flighting shots in the game of golf requires a good understanding of the process needed for set up and some discipline during execution. Spend some time applying the set up routine and swing thought at the driving range. Hopefully, this will help build feel and muscle memory for the execution.

Din Fuad is a Certified Instructor at the PGA TOUR Golf Academy focusing on Golf Instruction, Golf Operations, and program development. Prior to joining the PGA TOUR Golf Academy, he played 4 years of Division I Men’s Golf for South Dakota State University while earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Sports, Park, and Recreation Management.