What Is a Fat Shot in Golf? The Complete Guide to Causes and Fixes

If you’ve ever taken a divot the size of a dinner plate while the ball barely moves, you’ve experienced a fat shot. In golf, a fat shot (or “chunk”) happens when the clubhead strikes the ground before reaching the ball, digging into the turf and robbing the shot of power and accuracy. It’s one of the most common misses among amateurs and even plagues better players from time to time. Understanding what causes fat shots in golf is the first step to eliminating them from your game.

Understanding the Fat Shot: Definition and Impact

A fat shot is defined by the club hitting the turf before the ball. The result is a heavy, thudding impact that often leaves a large divot and sends the ball a fraction of the intended distance. This is different from a thin shot, where the club strikes the equator of the ball, producing a low, skimming trajectory. While both are mishits, fat shots are particularly frustrating because they feel so solid but produce such poor results. Golf swing fat shots can occur with any club but are most common with irons and wedges, where precision is critical.

What Causes Fat Shots in Golf?

To fix a problem, you need to know its root cause. Most fat shots stem from a low point control issue—your swing’s lowest point is behind the ball instead of slightly ahead of it. Here are the primary culprits:

1. Weight shift problems: If your weight stays on your back foot through impact, your body tilts backward, causing the club to bottom out too early.
2. Hip movement: A lateral slide of the hips toward the target, rather than a rotation, can shift the low point backward.
3. Dipping or lowering: Many golfers dip their head or shoulders during the downswing, lowering the entire swing arc.
4. Ball position: Placing the ball too far forward in your stance can make you reach for it, leading to a fat strike.
5. Early release: Releasing the club angles too soon can cause the clubhead to drop below the proper plane.

These factors often combine, making it essential to diagnose your specific swing flaw. What causes fat golf shots is usually a mix of poor weight transfer and body movement. Fixing them requires targeted practice.

How to Fix a Fat Shot: Drills and Adjustments

Eliminating fat shots starts with getting your low point in front of the ball. Here are actionable drills:

• —Weight forward drill: During your practice swing, feel like 80% of your weight is on your front foot at impact. Hit balls with this feeling.
• —Towel drill: Place a towel a few inches behind the ball. If you hit the towel, you’re too fat. Aim to strike the ball cleanly.
• —Swing thought: Imagine hitting the front edge of the ball with the leading edge of the club, not the sole.
• —Alignment sticks: Stick an alignment rod in the ground a few inches behind the ball at an angle. If your club hits it, you know you’re too steep or fat.

Consistent practice with these drills will retrain your swing to bottom out correctly. Remember, a proper golf swing is a sequence of movements—the fix often involves slight changes in setup and tempo.

What to Look for in Training Aids for Fat Shots

When choosing a training aid to combat fat shots, consider the following:

• —Low point training: Devices like impact bags or low point trainers help you feel the correct bottom of the swing arc.
• —Feedback mechanisms: Look for aids that provide instant feedback—if you hit the turf before the ball, you know immediately.
• —Portability: Many aids are small enough to use at the range or on the course.
• —Your specific issue: If your fat shot comes from swaying hips, a lateral movement trainer might help. If it’s a steep angle of attack, a plane board could be better.

While no device replaces good instruction, a well-chosen training aid can speed up the learning process. Check customer reviews and focus on aids that target your diagnosed flaw.

Fat Shot vs Thin Shot: Key Differences

Understanding the difference between a fat and thin shot helps you diagnose your miss. A fat shot hits the ground first; a thin shot hits the ball high on the face. Thin shots often result from the club bouncing off hard turf, while fat shots come from steep or early impact. Both are problematic, but they require opposite fixes: thin shots need a steeper attack or harder ground, while fat shots need a shallower approach or proper weight shift. Many golfers struggle with both, so track which miss you encounter more often.

FAQ

What is a fat shot in golf? A fat shot occurs when the clubhead strikes the ground before the ball, causing a heavy impact that reduces distance and accuracy. It’s often called a “chunk” or “heavy shot.”

What causes fat shots in golf? Common causes include weight staying on the back foot, hips sliding toward the target, dipping the head, incorrect ball position, or releasing the club too early. These shift the swing’s low point behind the ball.

How can I stop hitting fat shots? Practice keeping your weight forward, use a towel drill to avoid hitting the ground too early, and focus on striking the ball with the leading edge of the club. Consistent repetition of proper swing mechanics is key.