In the world of professional golf, hitting incredible approach shots is crucial for success, and PGA Tour player Tony Finau is no stranger to excelling in this department. Finau currently ranks No. 2 on Tour in SG: Approach the Green, a key metric for hitting greens in regulation and setting up birdie opportunities. Finau’s approach shots from varying distances and club choices have helped him separate from his peers and shoot low scores consistently.
In a video shared on Titleist’s YouTube channel, Finau breaks down his approach shots strategy, starting with a 140-yard shot where he advises being aggressive and aiming to land the ball next to the hole. He mentions using a pitching wedge for this distance, hitting a fade shot and visualizing a window before taking the shot. Finau suggests that anything within 20 feet from this distance is a great result, showcasing the importance of control and accuracy in approach shots.
Moving on to a 100-yard approach shot, Finau discusses using a 56-degree wedge and flighting the ball down to control the distance and spin. By flying the ball past the hole and using the ridge to bring it back towards the pin, Finau emphasizes the impact of ball flight on distance control and spin. He highlights the importance of a lower ball-flight for spin and distance control, offering valuable insights for amateur golfers looking to improve their approach shots.
Approaching shots from the rough presents a different challenge, as predicting ball flight and spin becomes more difficult. Finau stresses the importance of reading the lie and choosing the right shot type to ensure good contact and safe play. While shots from the rough may have less spin than those from the fairway, understanding the lie and adjusting club selection accordingly can help golfers navigate challenging conditions and hit solid approach shots.
In a 25-yard pitch shot scenario, Finau demonstrates the importance of using a 60-degree wedge to fly the ball onto the green and control spin for a successful outcome. By focusing on weight distribution, allowing the ball and club to do the work, and maintaining a consistent strike, Finau provides a detailed guide for hitting pitch shots effectively. He also suggests a simple adjustment of lifting the trail foot to ensure proper weight distribution and improve chipping consistency for better overall performance on the course.
