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

It was a disappointing day though for McIlroy, who hit his approach shot on the par-five 18th hole into the water en route to a closing double-bogey.

From Barron's ● Jan. 22, 2026

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

On 16, Lowry found the left side of the green with his approach shot from the sand and McIlroy sank a right-breaking birdie putt to lift his team into a tie for first at 25-under.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 28, 2024

Away it goes bouncing far off on to the other side, and another approach shot has to be played, often by reason of a hazard having been found, more difficult than the first.

From The Complete Golfer by Harry Vardon