Short Game

The 40-yard Pitch Shot Doesn't Need To Be So Scary

Thirty to 40 yards away from the green: Also known as, the worst yardage ever. Chunk, skull, blade, shank -- any miss is possible from this distance.

Since you’re probably going to have to face this yardage in about 24 hours, we wanted to give you a few tips to help you through it.

Former PGA Tour player and swing instructor Stan Utley says that one common mistake people usually make when approaching this shot is using too much arms, and not enough body. You have basically no chance of making good contact with the ball if you’re just slapping your arms at it.

utley chip.jpg

To successfully hit this shot, Utley instructs the following:

When your clubhead speed is generated by turning your body, instead of by throwing your hands, you make a much more consistent swing and will have better contact.

For more pitch tips, check out this video: