A fat shot, also called a heavy or chunked shot, happens when the club hits the ground before the ball. The turf slows the club, the ball comes out weakly and falls well short of the target. Fat shots are among the most common faults in golf, especially with irons and around the green. Here's why they happen and how to fix them.
Why fat shots happen
The club reaches its lowest point (the low point) during the swing. With irons, the low point should be slightly in front of the ball, so you strike the ball first and then the turf. If the low point is behind the ball, you hit the ground first.
The main causes
1. Hanging back
If your weight stays on your trail foot, the bottom of the swing moves back. Read golf weight transfer.
2. Casting
Releasing the wrist angle early from the top makes the club head reach the ground too soon. Read how to release the golf club.
3. Ball too far forward
With irons, a ball too far forward sits beyond the low point. Read golf ball position.
4. Trying to lift the ball
Scooping with the hands moves the low point back.
5. Dipping
Lowering your head and body in the downswing brings the club into the ground early.
6. Swaying
Sliding away from the target in the backswing, and not getting back. Read hip rotation for power.
Quick fixes
- Feel your weight on your lead side at impact.
- Hands ahead of the ball at impact with irons.
- Check ball position: centre for short irons, slightly forward for mid-irons.
- Keep your chest over the ball, without dipping.
- Swing at 80%: overswinging causes timing problems.
Drills
Towel drill
Place a towel a few inches behind the ball. Hit the ball without touching the towel.
Line drill
Draw a line on the ground (or spray a line on the range). Practise taking divots that start on or just after the line. Then place balls on the line.
Lead-foot drill
Make half swings with most of your weight on your lead foot throughout. It trains ball-first contact.
Step-through drill
Step towards the target with your trail foot after impact to force weight forward.
Pump drill
Pump down to hip height with the hands leading, then swing through. Read golf weight transfer.
Fat chips
Fat chips are often caused by:
- Weight on the back foot.
- Flicking the wrists.
- Decelerating.
Use a putting-style stroke, ball back, weight forward and hands ahead. Read how to chip in golf.
Equipment and conditions
- Soft, wet ground exaggerates fat shots; play the ball slightly back and pick it cleanly. Read winter golf.
- Mats hide fat shots by letting the club bounce. Practise on grass when you can. Read golf nets and hitting mats.
- Clubs with wider soles are more forgiving. Read game improvement vs players' irons.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I hit my irons fat?
Usually because your weight stays back, you cast the club from the top, or the ball is too far forward.
What is the difference between fat and thin shots?
Fat shots hit the ground first; thin shots strike the ball too high on the club face, often from a rising club. Read how to stop topping the ball.
Why do I hit fat shots only on the course?
Tension, uneven lies and the lack of a mat to hide mistakes. Practise on grass and keep your routine.
Does ball position cause fat shots?
Yes, especially with the ball too far forward for irons.
The bottom line
Fat shots come from a low point behind the ball. Shift your weight forward, keep your hands ahead, check your ball position and retrain your strike with the towel and line drills. You'll compress the ball and see it fly much further. For more on contact, read how to hit the ball solidly.