approach shot

American  

noun

1. Tennis. a hard, forcing shot usually made deep into the opponent's court, allowing the player to move in toward the net for an offensive volley.

2. Golf. approach.

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approach shot British  

noun

1. Also called: approach.  golf a shot made to or towards the green after a tee shot

2. tennis a deep drive, usually hit with slice to keep the ball low, designed to enable the player to make an approach to the net

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Etymology

Origin of approach shot

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

approach shot

Of course, with the title at his fingertips, McIlroy baited the golfing gods on the final hole when he launched a drive into the trees and plunked his approach shot into a bunker.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 13, 2026

The Englishman, who made the winning putt at last year's Ryder Cup, holed his approach shot on the 17th for an eagle before adding a birdie on the final green.

From Barron's ● Jan. 23, 2026

Rory McIlroy lets his frustration with the crowd show before hitting a brilliant approach shot on the 16th to help seal his foursomes match with partner Tommy Fleetwood on day two of the Ryder Cup.

From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2025

His approach shot on the par-five seventh landed in a greenside bunker, but he chipped to 14 feet and made the birdie putt to move to one under.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 16, 2024

She played the stroke—and it is one of the most difficult—in perfect form, and I was so astounded that I cut under a short approach shot and had to play the odd.

From John Henry Smith A Humorous Romance of Outdoor Life by Adams, Frederick Upham