A blind shot is one where you can't see your landing area or target: a tee shot over a hill, an approach to a green hidden behind a dune or a shot over a ridge. They're common on links and hilly courses, and they make many golfers uneasy. With good information, a clear target and full commitment, blind shots can be as straightforward as any other.
Types of blind shots
- Blind tee shots over hills or ridges.
- Blind approaches to greens hidden behind dunes, mounds or bunkers.
- Semi-blind shots where you can see the flag but not the green surface.
- Recovery shots from behind trees or slopes.
Gather information
- Course guides and apps: show the hole layout and distances. Read golf apps and online tools.
- Tee signs and hole maps.
- Aiming posts or marker stones: many courses place a post on the ideal line.
- Ask: playing partners or caddies who know the course. Read our golf caddie guide.
- Walk up and look, if it won't hold up play, especially on approach shots.
Choose your line
- Pick a distant landmark on your line: a tree, a chimney, a post or a dip in the skyline.
- Use an intermediate target a few feet in front of the ball. Read golf alignment: how to aim.
- Allow for wind and slope you can't see. Read how to play golf in the wind.
Choose your club
- Distance to the landing area and to any hazards beyond the hill.
- Carry needed to clear the ridge.
- Don't overpower: blind shots often have trouble just beyond the visible area.
Read how to read a golf hole.
Commit
The biggest risk with blind shots is indecision. Choose the line, pick the target, use your routine and swing fully at it. Read golf pre-shot routine.
Safety and etiquette
- Make sure the group in front has moved on. Many blind holes have a bell, signal or periscope to show the landing area is clear.
- Ring the bell after you've played your shots on a blind hole, to let the group behind know it's clear.
- Shout "fore" if in any doubt. Read golf course safety.
Finding your ball
- Watch the ball until it disappears and note a landmark.
- Play a provisional if it might be lost. Read penalty areas and out of bounds.
Practice
You can't see blind shots on the range, but you can practise picking distant targets and committing to them. Read golf visualisation.
Frequently asked questions
What is a blind shot in golf?
A shot where you can't see the landing area or target, often because of a hill, dune or ridge.
How do I aim on a blind tee shot?
Use an aiming post, marker stone or a distant landmark on the line shown in the course guide.
Why do some courses have bells on blind holes?
To let the group behind know the landing area is clear after you've played.
Should I play a provisional on blind shots?
If there's a chance the ball is lost outside a penalty area, yes.
The bottom line
Blind shots are easier when you gather information, pick a clear line, choose your club for the hidden landing area and commit fully. Check it's safe to play and ring the bell when you're done. For more strategy, read how to play doglegs.