Pitching: The most challenging shot in golf

There is a big difference between chipping and pitching. The differences include stance, ball position, weight at address, weight shift, and what the hands do during the swing.

Pitching strategy depends on several factors, including your lie, the length of the shot, whether you must carry an obstacle such as a bunker, whether the green is elevated, the flagstick position, and how much rollout you expect after the ball lands on the green.

Below are two wedge shots of different lengths, labeled P1 and P2.

P1: Hinge-and-Hold Shot (Y-to-Y Swing)
I use the letter “Y” to describe the position of the arms and hands during the swing. I call this a Y-to-Y swing.

• Used for shots from 10 to 30 yards
• Club selection: pitching wedge or gap wedge
• Ball position: center of stance
• Stance: narrow and slightly open
• Weight: neutral at address

• On the backswing, swing the “Y” (arms, shoulders and club) to the trail hip while hinging the wrists until the bottom of the grip points toward the target and the trail elbow bends. At the top of the backswing, the shaft should be parallel to the ground, forming a “Y.”
• On the downswing, keep the trail elbow bent until impact and pull the grip end downward with the arms. Make contact under and slightly in front of the ball with a slight hip turn.
• Finish when the grip points toward your belt buckle, forming another “Y.”
• Remember: the lead arm is the extender and the trail elbow is the bender.

P2: High Pitch, Hinge-and-Rehinge Shot (L-to-L Swing)

I call this an L-to-L swing.
• Used for shots from 30 to 80 yards
• Club selection: gap wedge, sand wedge or lob wedge
• Best used for longer pitch shots or when hitting to an elevated green
• Stance: feet approximately hip-width apart and slightly open

• Weight: 60% on the target side at address
• Ball position: slightly forward of center
• On the backswing, extend the lead arm while hinging the trail wrist and bending the trail elbow until the grip points toward the ground, forming an “L.”
• On the downswing, keep the trail elbow bent and pull the grip end with the extended lead arm. At impact, unhinge the wrists and make contact under and slightly in front of the ball while turning the hips, knees and belt buckle toward the target.
• Complete a full weight shift to the target side.
• Finish with the trail arm extended and the grip pointing toward the ground again, forming an “L.”
• Wrist action: hinge on the backswing and rehinge on the follow-through.
• Remember: the lead arm extends and the trail elbow bends.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local golf courses. jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean.com.