Hello, fellow Duffer! Sarah Chen here, your Golf Instruction Editor, and I’m excited to dive into a part of the game that separates the good from the great: pitching. If you’ve ever watched a tour pro effortlessly chip it close from tough lies, you know the magic I’m talking about. And guess what? That magic is absolutely within your reach.
Last week, we talked about full swings. This week, we’re narrowing our focus to pitching – those crucial shots with your wedges that are less than a full swing, typically ranging from 15-20 yards out to just shy of your maximum wedge distance. It’s often considered one of the most challenging areas in golf to master, but it’s also where you can shave strokes off your score faster than almost anywhere else. As the source article insightfully puts it, physical strength takes a backseat here, making consistent skill attainable for everyone.
I tell my students that becoming a “greenside magician” isn’t about raw power; it’s about technique, touch, and intelligent practice. You don’t need to reinvent your entire swing; you just need to fine-tune some key elements. And I promise, with a little focus, you’ll be dropping it closer than ever before.
The Foundation: A Perfect Pitch Setup
Just like building a house, a solid foundation is paramount for great pitch shots. While the goal is a shorter, more controlled swing, your setup dictates everything that follows. Forget rushing; take a moment to get this right.
1. The Open Stance: You want to encourage natural body rotation and a free path through the ball. The source article champions this, stating:
“As with any golf shot, a sound and proper setup is crucial to hitting great pitch shots consistently. I believe great pitch shots are initiated by a slightly open stance, which allows you to clear your body through impact and sets up the proper swing path…”
This means your lead foot (left for right-handers) will be slightly pulled back from the target line, and your hips and shoulders will be subtly aligned left of the target. This pre-sets your body to make that crucial turn through impact.
2. Weight Forward & Ball Position: Your weight should favor your lead foot (around 60-70%). This helps you hit down on the ball, ensuring clean contact. Ball position is less rigid here than with a full iron shot; it shifts slightly based on the trajectory you aim for – forward for higher shots, more central for lower, running shots.
3. Natural Hand Hang: This is a simple but often overlooked detail. Your hands should hang naturally from your shoulders, not reaching or crowding the body. The article provides an excellent check:
“I firmly believe that great pitch shots cannot be hit if the hands are too close or too far from your body. The easy way to check this is to release your left hand from the grip, and let it hang naturally – then move the club so that the left hand can take its hold. That is the ideal position from which to make a good pitch shot.”
This ensures you have enough room for an uninhibited swing and proper clubhead control.
Engage Your Body, Master the Path
A common mistake I see among recreational golfers is treating pitch shots like an “arms-only” maneuver. This leads to inconsistent contact and loss of control. Instead, think of it as a miniature full swing, driven by your core and shoulders.
Torso Rotation is Key: You need to actively engage your upper body. The source article highlights this beautifully:
“I also believe – from observation and experience – that many recreational golfers do not engage their torso enough in routine pitch shots. This is NOT an arm swing; a rotation of the upper body core and shoulders is tantamount to good pitch shots, and the core must keep rotating through impact.”
Stopping your rotation prematurely is a recipe for disaster – chunks and bladed shots often stem from this. Your chest should continue to turn towards the target after impact.
Swing Path: That open stance we discussed earlier helps facilitate the ideal path. On the backswing, your hands and club should move relatively straight back along a slight arc. Through impact, the club will move naturally to the left (for right-handers). This promotes a consistent strike and allows the clubface to deliver the ball effectively.
Drills for Pitching Perfection
Ready to put these concepts into practice? Here are a couple of drills to get you started:
1. The “One-Handed Setup” Drill: This is a fantastic way to internalize the natural hand position. Set up to a ball for a pitch shot. Release your lead hand from the grip so it hangs freely. Notice where it naturally falls. Now, bring the club back to meet that hand. This helps you find your optimal distance from the ball and promotes a relaxed, athletic posture. Practice few swings maintaining this feel.
2. The “Torso Turn” Drill: Grab a mid-iron and take your pitching stance, but without a club in your hands. Cross your arms over your chest. Now, make a pitching motion, focusing purely on rotating your shoulders and core back and through, letting your elbows lightly brush your sides. Your chest should finish facing the target. This will train your body to lead the swing, preventing an “armsy” move.
Swing Speed and Distance Control: The Finesse Factor
Pitches are about touch, not power. My observation, and the source article agrees, is that golfers often get too quick. Think of it like a painter meticulously brushing trim rather than broadly rolling a wall. Slow and careful wins the day here.
Find Your “Half Swing”: A great starting point is to find a comfortable, repeatable “half swing” where your lead arm is roughly parallel to the ground at the top of your backswing. Now, within this consistent backswing, you can vary your clubhead speed to control distance. The article offers a brilliant analogy:
- “Country Road” (50 mph): A smooth, flowing tempo.
- “Neighborhood Driving” (30 mph): A slightly slower, more controlled tempo.
- “School Zone” (15 mph): A very gentle, deliberate tempo.
Try this: Take three balls. For each, use your “half swing” backswing, but choose one of these three downswing speeds. Notice the difference in distance. Repeat this with each of your wedges. Over time, you’ll calibrate how far each club goes with each speed, giving you incredible control.
Mastering pitching takes time and dedication, but the rewards are immense. Don’t be discouraged by initial challenges; embrace them as steps on your journey to becoming a short-game wizard. Practice these techniques, use the drills, and you’ll soon find yourself confidently landing those pitches closer to the hole. Happy golfing!
