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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of approach shot

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

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

He said he hit a good drive into the wind on his closing hole and then tugged his approach shot a bit.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 25, 2024

He had been having a little hockey practice by himself in the rough, and was now preparing to play an approach shot across the pond.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 153, December 12, 1917 by Various