Specialty Shots Golf Instructions and Tips  - Cut Shot

This shot is used when it is necessary to get the ball up quickly over some obstacle, and then stop it quickly when it lands.

This shot is used when it is necessary to get the ball up quickly over some obstacle, and then stop it quickly when it lands. The cut shot will generally be hit with one of the wedges, as these clubs are already the most lofted in the bad.

The technique for the cut shot is similar to another specialty shot namely the fade. However, with the cut shot, the objective is not to hit a long, curving shot, but rather to hit a short, high shot.

As with the fade, open the stance so that the toes of the shoes are aligned to the left of the target and the ball is positioned well forward in the stance. The aim is now to the left of the target, so rotate the grip of the club in your hands so that the clubface is  pointing back in the direction of the target. At this point, take a swing like a standard wedge shot. Be sure to fully cock the wrists on the backswing, finish with a full follow through, and keep your head down. While the cut shot requires hitting decisively down on the ball, the ball ironically flies higher than normal with backspin on it, goes in the direction the clubface was aimed, and stops quickly when it hits the green.

Golf Tips: setup up for cut shot. The golfer is electing to hit a cut shot because he has to hit the ball high over the sand bunker and stop it quickly by the flag stick which is just beyond the bunker. Notice the open stance and the clubface aimed in the direction of the target. The ball is positioned well forward in the stance, almost at a point out from the toe of the golfer's left shoe and the club face is laid back almost flat on the ground.