Though it sometimes seems that there are dozens of different golf shots that a golfer must learn to be a “good golfer” (e.g., consistently shoot in the 70’s or 80’s), there really are only a critical few golf shots that matter outside of the putting game. If golfers can master these critical shots which can be applied and adapted for just about any golf situation, then they will certainly see a drop in their scores and more consistency in their game. Below is a listing and description of each of these shots and how they are applied around the golf course.

1. Straight Golf Shots: As the name implies, a straight shot starts straight and holds the line toward the target. It is used when the target is straight in front of you and shaping the golf shot right or left is unnecessary. A straight golf shot is achieved when all the golf fundamentals are executed and synchronized effectively including setup position, grip, swing path and weight transfer.

2.Draw Golf Shots: A draw shot is used to curve a shot right to left around an obstacle to the target. The basic fundamentals of straight shots are followed, except alignment is right of the target and the grip is rotated in a “stronger” position to encourage right to left ball flight.

3. Fade Golf Shots: A fade golf shot is used to curve a shot left to right around an obstacle to the target. Similar to a draw, the basic fundamentals of straight shots are followed, except alignment is left of the target and the grip is rotated in a “weaker” position to encourage left to right ball flight.

4. Fairway Bunker Golf Shots: A fairway bunker shot is hit from fairway bunkers adjacent to the fairway. A good fairway bunker shot can position you well for your next shot and help save your score. On these shots, it is important to position the body so that ball lies in the middle of your stance and stand “taller” throughout the shot to strike the ball cleanly.

5. Greenside Bunker Golf Shots: A greenside bunker golf shot is hit from bunker adjacent or very close to the putting surface. Since loft, rather than distance, is more important on these shots, it is important to position the ball forward in the stance while weight is distributed (and kept) favoring the left side throughout the golf shot.

6.Pitch Golf Shots: Pitch golf shot spends more time in the air than on ground and are typically used when 60 yards or more from the putting green. The setup and weight distribution used for pitch shots are different than for straight, draw and fade golf shots and a lofted club such as a sand wedge or lob wedge is used.

7.Chip Golf Shots: Chip golf shots are typically used when the golf ball is 3 to 6 feet off the green and putting the ball is not a good option. Chip shots are miniature versions of the full swing where just enough power is applied to land the ball quickly on the surface and roll toward the cup.

Of course, there are several other types of shots, but most are just variations of the ones above. If golfers can focus on mastering these shots, then their games are sure to quickly improve.