Golf Trick Shots That Still Impress a Foursome (Even If You’re Not a Pro)

You don’t need to bomb a 325-yard power fade or shape a stinging four-iron draw to impress your buddies on the course. Sometimes, all it takes is a little flair and a bit of practice to pull off a golf trick shot that looks more impressive than it actually is.

If you’re the type of golfer who likes to make a statement before the first tee shot (especially after the bets are in), these five trick shots will give you something to show off. Just remember: practice makes these look effortless. Here’s how to get started.

Here are the five to start with.

Bouncing the Ball on Your Wedge

Made famous by Tiger Woods in a Nike commercial, this one’s a classic. Hold your wedge face flat, completely perpendicular to the ground, and bounce a ball repeatedly off the sweet spot.

It’s easier than it looks. The key is consistency. Once you’ve got it down, you can add a little flair: bounce it onto your thigh, switch hands, go behind the back, or hit the ball out of midair. It’s part golf, part freestyle, and it’s a great way to kill time when you’re supposed to be working on your chipping.

The Backwards Flop Shot

This shot takes inspiration from Phil Mickelson’s bag of short game wizardry. You won’t be hitting over a person from four feet away, but you can make a ball fly backwards.

Here’s how to do it:

Find a slope that’s close to vertical, something that feels more like a wall than a hill. Set up with your back foot loaded, your club face pointing up the hill (completely opposite the green), and lean the shaft back so much that the grooves on your wedge are almost visible to the bottom of the flagstick.

Swing hard, generate backspin, and watch the ball float up the hill, then turn and spin backwards toward the green. This one takes feel, space, and some trial and error. Keep everyone clear until you’ve got it under control.

Stacked Balls: One Swing, Two Results

Stack two balls on top of each other (yes, it’s possible). Line up their dimples for balance. Then, make a soft swing to strike the bottom ball cleanly.

The top ball? It pops straight up into the air. With enough timing and coordination, you can even catch it in your hat as it drops. That added bit of showmanship will leave an impression, assuming you don’t flinch during your swing.

Start with half swings and soft hands. This one can backfire if you’re too aggressive too soon.

Synchronized Putting with Your Friends

Ready to go viral? Grab three friends and set up a putting line like dominoes.

Start with the first player just two feet from the hole. Then place the next golfer two feet behind them on the same line, and continue spacing back in the same pattern. When all players putt in quick succession, the balls should roll in one after the other.

Four players is ideal. Nine players is ambitious. If you pull that off, make sure someone’s filming. And make sure everyone knows how to read greens first.

The Club-Behind-the-Back Swing

This one is for the bold.

Start in your address position, then pick the club up with your lead hand and grab the head with your trail hand. Swing it over your lead shoulder, so the club wraps behind your back and lands in a top-of-backswing position behind your head.

From there, grab the grip behind your head and transition into your downswing all in one smooth motion.

It’s like twirling a baseball bat mid-game and then hitting a home run. You’ll probably drop the club, miss the ball, or both the first few tries. That’s okay. The point is to have fun, challenge your coordination, and look cooler every time you get closer.

Final Thoughts

Trick shots won’t lower your handicap. But they will make the game a little more fun and sometimes, that’s just what your Saturday foursome needs. Whether you’re procrastinating on the practice green or looking for a way to kick off the round with flair, these shots offer a great way to enjoy the lighter side of golf.

Just make sure you know the stakes before you show off. There’s nothing worse than trying a trick shot before your buddies pay up.

 And the trick shots we show in the video? You can see the originals here:

• Bounce on a Wedge, Then Hit It
• Backwards Shot (Over the Head)
• Bouncing the Ball Through a Hat
• Nine Puts into One Hole
• Around the Back