Fat Shot

A mishit where the club strikes the ground before contacting the ball, resulting in poor contact, reduced distance, and often a large divot, typically caused by improper weight transfer or ball position errors. Fat shots are among the most common amateur golf mistakes and can significantly affect scoring and confidence. Understanding fat shot causes helps golfers make swing adjustments and improve ball-striking consistency. Common causes include improper weight transfer, early release, and poor setup position. Eliminating fat shots often provides immediate improvement in distance and accuracy.