When it comes to the short game, it’s helpful to clearly define what shot you’re trying to make. Golf terminology can be confusing – and often inconsistent – so having simple definitions makes decision making much easier.
A pitch shot, as I define it, is a short play in which the ball travels further through the air than it rolls. There are many ways to play this shot, and ideally you will discover which technique works best for you.
In general, pitch shots are played with the most lofted and highest-bouncing clubs in your bag: the sand wedge, lob wedge (if you have one with you), and gap wedge.
Below are five different ways to perform a pitch shot, depending on your comfort level and the lie.
1. Standard setup
For a basic pitch shot, set up in what I like to call a boring middle position. The club face is square, the club head is centered between your heels, the handle is centered on your body and your weight starts out evenly balanced.
All three of these wedges have a rounded sole, also called bounce. As long as you avoid excessive shaft slope or a closed face, the club will glide over the surface instead of digging, creating a higher, softer shot.
Make sure the club touches the ground, and as you swing through it, allow your weight to move naturally toward your lead foot, keeping the club sliding forward.
2. Lobwig
If you have trouble with pitch shots, try a club with more loft, such as a sand wedge or lob wedge, and simplify the motion. Maintain a relatively firm arm structure and keep your arms and club wide and away from your body.
This promotes a smaller angle of attack, and with fewer moving parts it is often easier to execute consistently, especially under pressure.
3. Return ball with open face
You can play a pitch shot with the ball slightly back in your stance, which is especially useful in tight lies. However, moving the ball back reduces loft and bounce, so it is important to open the clubface.
To do this, first open the clubface by turning the grip away from the target and then place your hands on the club. This adds both loft and bounce and makes up for what you lose by playing the ball further back.
4. Weight forward with open face
Another option is to shift your weight to the lead foot — either gradually during the swing or preset at address. This ensures ball-first contact.
To prevent the club from digging or closing, open the clubface slightly. This adds spring and security, so the club can still glide when it hits the ground.
5. Gap wedge with smaller swing
Pitch shots often require a larger swing because the ball needs enough energy to shoot high into the air. That can be uncomfortable, especially on shorter recordings.
A useful alternative is to use a gap wedge and make a smaller swing. Although you may have to give up some height, the shorter swing length reduces the risk – because the smaller the swing, the smaller the potential error.
#methods #hitting #pitch #shot