The evolution of golf equipment and course maintenance has influenced players’ strategy when approaching short game shots. Pitching is a useful skill for golfers aiming to take extra ground out of play while focusing on landing the ball closer to the hole. A pitch shot spends time predominantly in the air with minimum ground time. Adding height to the shot increases the probability of gaining greater spin. 

To play a pitch shot, first, a player needs to evaluate the lie of the shot, appropriate trajectory, and size of swing to get the ball close to the hole. Considering we are trying to get some elevation out of the shot, using any wedge with a loft higher than 50 degrees will be beneficial. The sweet spot for club selection with most elite players will be anything ranging from 56 degrees wedge (Sand Wedge) and up to 62 degree (Lob Wedge). 

If a player has a clean lie, there will be enough room underneath the ball to slide the bounce of the wedge. This will expose the sweet spot on the clubface as well. Majority of the time, the goal is to be able to clip the ball off the ground cleanly, as this will help players keep the momentum of swing flowing through impact. In the event where the ball is sitting down, a player needs to be able to do their best to squeeze the clubhead underneath the ball by taking a slight divot. 

Now, let’s get into how we get set up to hit a pitch shot. First, using a lofted club, lay the sole of the wedge evenly flat with the ground. Secondly, allow the shaft to sit at a neutral position, hence seeing the shaft of the wedge straight up and down. Once the club has been established, then build a stance to fit the size of the swing. Example: anything shorter than a half swing will be set up with a narrowed stance about two club head widths apart. A medium size stance will be for a swing that goes from half to three quarters in size. Then, a full stance is for any shot that requires a swing bigger than three quarters. When building stance it is very important for players to stand to the handle, which means the top end of the club will be towards the belly button. If the procedure is done well, players will find that the ball position sits closer to the front foot. Next, address the hands on the grip to where arm extension feels comfortable. Execute the swing intended and allow the club head to glide under the ball. 

Here are some pro tips for pitch shots. First, pick out a comfortable landing spot. This way, our eyes and brain will narrow down the focus to where we need to get the ball to land. Ideally an evenly sized ratio of swing will help provide the best consistency because of repeatability. Example: A player can focus on taking the club back about hip height, and then apply the same length of follow through to hip height to complete the swing. Another way is to imagine a clock system where players can go to 9pm on the backswing and then follow through to 3pm. Lastly, remember to always focus on getting underneath the ball rather than feeling like assisting the ball up in the air with your wrist or forearms.

Din Fuad is a Certified Instructor at the PGA TOUR Golf Academy focusing on Golf Instruction, Golf Operations, and program development. Prior to joining the PGA TOUR Golf Academy, he played 4 years of Division I Men’s Golf for South Dakota State University while earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Sports, Park, and Recreation Management.