Short Game

Don't Wimp Out On Pitch Shots

By Lynn Marriott Photos by Dom Furore
September 15, 2013
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The simplest way to approach a pitch shot is to treat it as a miniature version of your full swing. The distance of the shot determines how big of a swing you need—from 10 yards off the green to a nearly full shot with your wedge.

The most important factors to remember are to trust the club's loft and to commit to making a decisive swing. Many players struggle on pitches because they think they need to help the ball into the air. That causes the upper body to get tense and block a free swing. Commit to the shot and accelerate through the ball to a balanced finish.