How to Hit the Lob Wedge: A Step-by-Step Guide for Soft, High Shots

Updated November 2026

To hit the lob wedge well, you set up with an open clubface, a wide stance and the ball forward, then make a smooth, accelerating swing that slides under the ball. Done right, the club launches the ball high with backspin, so it lands softly and stops quickly near the flag. This guide walks through the setup, the swing and the adjustments that matter most.

Set Up for a High, Soft Shot

Lob shots depend more on setup than on power. Start by opening the clubface so the leading edge points toward the sky, then align your body left of the target (for right-handers), since the face will be open at impact.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Lob Wedge Loft Degree vs Gap Wedge: Which Should You Choose?.

• Stance: Widen your feet to roughly shoulder width or a bit more, and keep the weight about 60 percent on your front foot.
• Ball position: Place the ball just inside your front heel, or slightly farther forward than a standard wedge.
• Grip: Hold the club a bit more softly than normal, with your hands slightly ahead of the ball.
• Posture: Bend from the hips with a relaxed, athletic knee flex.

Make the Swing

The lob swing is a longer, more deliberate version of a standard pitch. Your arms and body move together, and the clubhead accelerates through the ball rather than stopping at it.

1. Take the club back on a fairly steep path, hinging your wrists early and keeping the face open.
2. Pause briefly at the top to make sure your weight stays on the front side.
3. Start the downswing by rotating your lower body toward the target, letting the arms follow.
4. Slide the clubhead under the ball, aiming to hit the turf about 2 to 3 inches behind the ball.
5. Keep your hands ahead of the clubhead through impact and finish with the club high and the chest facing the target.

Control Distance With Tempo

Distance comes from the length of your backswing, not from speeding up. Many golfers use a quarter-swing for short lobs and a half-swing for longer ones, keeping the same tempo throughout. Practice a consistent rhythm, such as counting “one, two” on the backswing and “three” into impact.

Choose the Right Shot for the Lie

A lob works best from a good lie with room under the ball. From tight or thick rough, the face-open setup can cause the club to bounce or dig, so consider a bump-and-run or a standard pitch instead. Use the lob when you need height to carry a bunker or a steep bank and the green is firm enough to hold the ball.

Situation	Best approach
Short shot over a bunker to a tight pin	Full lob with open face
Ball sitting up in short grass	Lob with a slightly shorter swing
Tight lie or thick rough	Bump-and-run or standard pitch
Long distance with lots of green to work with	Pitch or chip instead

Common Mistakes

• Decelerating into the ball, which leads to chunks and shots that come up short.
• Closing the clubface during the swing, which sends the ball low and to the left for right-handers.
• Setting the ball too far back, which causes a steep, digging strike.
• Trying to steer the ball up with the hands instead of letting loft do the work.
• Using too much power, which adds distance and reduces control on delicate greens.

Recommended Gear

A few training tools can speed up your progress with the lob shot.

• Alignment sticks: Lay one along your stance line to check that you are aligned left of target with the open face. View on Amazon
• Practice chipping mat: A mat with a realistic turf feel lets you rehearse the slide under the ball without damaging the grass. View on Amazon

If you want to compare clubs before practicing, see What Is Lob Wedge in Golf? Loft, Uses and Tips and Lob Wedge vs Sand Wedge: Which Club Solves Your Short Game (2026) for guidance on how loft affects the shot.

FAQ

How do you hit a lob wedge without chunking it?

Keep your weight forward, accelerate through the ball and aim to strike the turf about 2 to 3 inches behind it. A smooth tempo prevents the deceleration that causes most chunked shots.

How far should I expect a lob wedge to fly?

Distance varies by golfer, swing length and loft, so it is best to measure your own carry numbers on the practice green. Use shorter swings for shorter shots and keep the tempo the same.

Can beginners learn to hit a lob wedge?

Yes, but start with simpler shots like the chip or pitch and move to the lob once you have consistent contact. If you have a physical limitation or are unsure about your technique, a golf professional can give personal feedback.

Conclusion

Hitting the lob wedge well comes down to an open face, a forward ball and a smooth, accelerating swing that slides under the ball. Practice with a consistent tempo and choose the shot based on the lie and the green. With regular repetition, you will get reliable height and control around the green.

Related reading

• What Is a Lob Wedge Loft? Typical Degrees and How to Choose
• What Is a Lob Wedge Degree? Typical Loft vs Gap Wedge (2026)
• TaylorMade SIM 2 Max OS Lob Wedge: Is It Right for Your Short Game?
• Second Hand Lob Wedge: Is a Used One Worth Buying?

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