Shots around the green require great touch and creativity. As the distance between the ball and hole increases, so too does the height and distance you want the ball to fly. The major difference between chipping and pitching is the ball’s intended trajectory and desired amount of roll. Where a chip shot flies low for a short distance then rolls to the flag, a pitch shot flies higher, carries longer, and rolls less. Always chip if you have the option as a ball that rolls on the ground is easier to control and get close to the hole.
Club selection is very important. Many golfers opt for a pitching wedge due to its name. However, I suggest using a sand wedge whenever possible as the ball will fly higher and land softer. While the names may seem misleading, think of a pitching wedge as a 10 iron and a sand wedge as a 12 iron. For most golfers, the higher the ball flies, the better.
The set up for a pitch is very similar to a chip, narrow your stance with your weight favoring your forward foot. This will help encourage a more up and down swing and create better ball contact. From here, grip down on the club slightly and take your normal posture. The only other adjustment you need to make is ball position as this controls the trajectory you want to hit the ball. To hit the ball lower and let the ball run like a chip, play the ball more back in your stance…to hit the ball higher and land softer, play it more forward. For right handers, ball position should follow the simple adage: right foot for roll, left foot for loft.
Distance is best controlled by length of the backswing and follow-through. To ensure a true and proper arm swing, the follow through should mirror the length of the backswing. For short shots, the swing may be only hip high to hip high and will naturally increase in length as we move farther from the hole. Keep in mind, the length of swing will control how far the ball flies, so it is important to pick an appropriate landing area and allow for the ball to roll a short distance to the hole. The lower the ball flies, the more the ball will roll.
Perhaps the most difficult component in a pitch is creating a free arm swing. As golfers, we tend to hit at the ball instead of swinging the arms and club, especially as we change the length of the swing. Regardless of how far you want to fly the ball, you want to feel as though the arms are heavy, free falling from the shoulder joints to start the downswing. A light grip pressure and oily wrist joints throughout the swing are key to allowing the arms to swing freely.
Tags: Golf Contest
