Trevor Ng
Pitching is one of the most difficult shots in golf, requiring a lot of practice to get right. When playing from heavy rough off the fairway, the priority is to escape. However, when you're close to the green, knocking the ball close is the main goal. To do this, you need to keep the clubface open to unlock the club's bounce. You can also try to use more wrist hinge than normal and swing along your shoulder line, rather than towards the target. In terms of technique, it's important to keep the clubface from closing as you take the club back and to set up with everything in an open position. You should also try to keep your body active as you swing down to the ball, with very little hand or wrist movement.
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Choosing the right club
When choosing a club for a pitch shot, select one with a high amount of loft and bounce. Bounce is the rounded bottom of your club, which prevents the club from digging into the ground. A lob wedge or sand wedge is a good choice for a pitch shot, especially when playing from heavy rough off the fairway. When using a lob or sand wedge, narrow your stance and choke down on the club, keeping the pressure over your left foot. Position the ball forward in your stance and aim your feet, hips, and shoulders slightly left of your target, keeping the clubface open to unlock the club's bounce.
The length of your pitch shot will also determine the club you choose. For your shortest pitch shots, place your hands lower on the grip and narrow your stance. The longer you want the ball to travel, the larger you should make your setup by widening your stance and gripping higher on the grip.
If you need to hit the ball higher and softer, you can change your release pattern on your downswing by allowing the clubhead to pass the ball. Using your hands and wrists will also help you hit the ball higher, as more wrist hinge will make your swing steeper, increase spin, and produce a higher launch.
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Mastering the technique
Pitching is one of the most difficult shots in golf, requiring a lot of practice to get right. It is important to keep the technique simple, especially when starting out.
When playing from heavy rough off the fairway, the priority is to escape the rough. Choke down on a lob or sand wedge, and narrow your stance, keeping pressure over your left foot. Position the ball forward in your stance and aim your feet, hips, and shoulders slightly left of your target, keeping the clubface open to unlock the club's bounce. Take a couple of practice swings first from a similar patch of rough. Use more wrist hinge than normal and swing along your shoulder line, not towards the target.
When hitting a pitch shot, more wrist hinge will make your swing steeper, increase spin, and produce a higher launch. However, it is generally best not to use your wrists unless necessary, as they can be difficult under pressure. To increase loft, use your hands and wrists to "throw" the clubhead, which will also increase bounce at impact, producing a more lofted pitch shot.
For your shortest pitch shots, place your hands lower on the grip and narrow your stance so your feet are nearly touching. The longer you want the ball to travel, the larger you should make your setup by widening your stance and gripping higher on the grip. When selecting a club for a pitch shot, choose one with a high amount of loft and bounce to prevent the club from digging into the ground.
Remember the three C's of pitching: centre your weight, place the ball at the centre of your stance, and put your hands and the shaft in the middle.
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Wrist action
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the role of the wrists in the backswing. During the backswing, you should quickly hinge your wrists to create a steeper swing path. This wrist hinge will also increase the spin on the ball, resulting in a higher launch. However, it is generally recommended to minimise wrist action if possible, as it can be challenging to execute consistently, especially under pressure.
When playing from the rough, using more wrist hinge than usual can help escape the heavy grass. This extra wrist hinge will provide the necessary loft to get the ball up and out of the rough. It is important to maintain an open clubface during the backswing to avoid the club digging into the turf.
The follow-through is also important to consider. Ideally, your backswing and follow-through should be relatively equal in length to maintain a smooth and consistent rhythm. A longer backswing can lead to deceleration, while a shorter backswing can result in excessive acceleration, both of which can cause poor contact with the ball.
Additionally, wrist action can be used to control the distance of your pitch shots. By adjusting the release pattern of your downswing and allowing the clubhead to pass through impact first, you can increase the loft and create a softer landing. This technique is useful when you need to hit the ball higher and softer.
Finally, keeping the back of your left hand facing the sky during the swing can help prevent the rough from grabbing the hosel and closing the clubface. This technique ensures better control of the clubface and improves your ability to escape the rough successfully.
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When to pitch
Pitching from the rough can be one of the most difficult shots in golf, requiring a lot of practice to get right. When playing from heavy rough, your first priority should be to escape the rough with your next shot. However, when you are closer to the green, knocking the ball close is the main priority.
When to chip, and when to pitch
Chip shots roll further than they fly, while pitch shots fly further than they roll. If the terrain is steep, a small chip can roll a long way. If there is a lot of green between you and the hole, and no serious obstacles, you can use a pitching wedge to hit your pitch shots. If you need more rollout, use a gap wedge.
If there is a sand trap between your ball and the hole, or you have less than 20 feet of putting surface to work with, you should use a pitch shot. You should also pitch if the green is very fast and requires a lofted shot for additional ball control.
When to use a chip shot
If the golf ball is very close to the green, with around 15 feet between the edge of the green and the hole, you should use a chip shot. You should also chip if the ball is five yards away from the green, there are no large undulations or sand, and there is at least 20 feet of available green. If the green is very slow and allows a running shot, you should chip.
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Practising
Basic Setup
Start by setting up with everything in an open position. This means the clubface should be pointing slightly to the right of the target, while your feet, hips, and shoulders should be aligned to the left of the target. This open setup helps you swing the clubhead through impact with its intended loft. It is important to keep the clubface open as you take the club back, ensuring that the toe of the club points toward the sky.
Body Movement
During the backswing, focus on keeping the clubface open and maintaining a smooth, soft, and controlled motion. Your downswing should feel more active, with your body rotating towards the target to complete the shot. Keep your chest turning toward the target, and let the clubhead swing down the line with minimal hand or wrist movement.
Distance Control
To control the distance of your pitch shots, adjust the size of your setup by widening or narrowing your stance. For shorter pitches, place your hands lower on the grip and narrow your stance. For longer pitches, grip higher on the grip and widen your stance. Maintain a balanced athletic stance, ensuring you are slightly closer to the golf ball.
Club Selection
When selecting a club for a pitch shot, choose one with a high amount of loft and bounce. The bounce, or rounded bottom of the club, prevents the club from digging into the ground. A higher-lofted wedge will help you hit the pitch shots higher.
Wrist Hinge
Using your hands and wrists during the pitch shot will increase the loft and produce a higher launch. More wrist hinge will create a steeper swing and increase spin. However, it is generally best to avoid using your wrists unless necessary, as they can be challenging under pressure.
Practice Swings
Before attempting a pitch shot, take a few practice swings from a similar patch of rough. Use more wrist hinge than usual and swing along your shoulder line, not towards the target. Listen for the “whoosh” of the clubhead powering through the grass, adding more arm speed if necessary.
Remember to keep it simple when starting out and focus on the fundamentals. With consistent practice and a determined mindset, you will develop the skills and confidence to execute pitch shots effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Pitch shots are short-game shots where the ball spends most of its time in the air. Pitch shots are used to get the ball over an obstruction or to cover a longer distance than a chip shot.
You should set up with your body lines open to your target line. Your front foot and back foot should be shoulder-width apart. The ball position should be in the middle of your stance or slightly back.
Control the distance by altering the length of your backswing. For the shortest shots, your backswing should end below your belt line. The longer the shot, the larger your setup should be.
Use a pitching wedge when you have a lot of green to work with and no obstacles in front of you. If you need to carry an obstruction, switch to a gap wedge. If the obstacles are big, or if the hole is closer to you, use a lob wedge or a sand wedge.
