Many amateur golfers devote time to practise at the range, but while powering up your golf swing or eradicating the shank might take most of the focus, sharpening up your short game is often the area that's neglected.
Interestingly, however, being dialled in from 70, 80 or even 100 yards could be the difference between shooting lower scores and letting a good round slip through your fingers.
In this video and article, Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Ged Walters shares three perfect pitch shot tips that will help you control your ball flight and distance like a pro...
1. Club Selection
Shots from 70 to 100 yards are never easy, mainly because we rarely practise them. A key factor that will help you get dialled in from this range is club selection, and not always taking your most lofted wedge.While I might opt for a 52 degree from this yardage, many amateur golfers would be better taking a pitching wedge in order to control the flight and distance of the golf ball.
2. Set-Up
A common mistake with this type of shot comes in the set-up, as many approach it as if they are hitting a long iron shot from much further away. Move your feet a little closer together at address, so that your shoulders sit in a straight line above the middle of your feet. Place your weight slightly further forward, more onto your lead side, and avoid the temptation to lean back and help the ball in the air. It’s important to still get the ball and then turf, just like an iron shot, but with a slightly different set-up.
3. Clock Face Drill
The easiest way to control your distance with a pitch shot is by considering a clock face. By understanding how far you hit the ball with a 8’o’clock and 9’o’clock backswing (left arm position - as demonstrated in left image above), you should be able to hit your target area with a higher degree of accuracy. Controlling the length of the backswing means you can maintain your tempo and speed, leading to more consistent results.
What's The Difference Between Pitching And Chipping In Golf?
A pitch shot, from say 70-100 yards, is often deployed when further away from the green in comparison to a chip shot, which might be used from just a few yards off the green. The stance for a chip shot will also be narrower than with a pitch shot.
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