Short Game · Lesson
When to Pitch Instead of Chip
Part of our short game programs for high, soft shots. Build a program with it
Pitch when the ball needs more air than ground. That's usually when the lie is poor, you're farther out, or the pin is close to your side. Widen your stance a little. Open it a touch. Keep your weight even. Pick one of your higher-lofted wedges. Turn your body back with a bit of wrist hinge. Coming through, keep your hands leading. Don't scoop. The loft will lift the ball.
Step by step
- Pitch from poor lies or to tight pins.
- Wider, slightly open stance.
- Use a 52, 56 or 60-degree wedge.
- Turn back with a little hinge.
- Keep your hands leading through.
Why it works
A pitch carries the ball most of the way in the air and lets it roll out a short distance. That helps when the lie is poor, the ball has to clear something, or the pin is close and you can't afford much roll. A wider, slightly open stance and even weight let your body turn without sliding. Hands leading at impact keep the loft on the face, so the club lifts the ball and you don't have to.
Common mistakes
- Trying to scoop the ball into the air with your wrists.Keep your hands ahead of the clubhead through impact and let the loft do the lifting.
- Leaning your weight back to help the ball up.Keep your weight even between both feet from setup to finish.
- Choosing a pitch when a simple chip would roll out safely.Pitch only when the lie is poor, you are farther out, or the pin is close; otherwise chip.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball flies on a higher path and lands softly, then rolls out a short distance.
- You strike the ball first and the grass just after it, with no thin or fat contacts.
- Your hands stay ahead of the clubhead at impact and your chest turns through to the target.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Start with a clean lie and a target with plenty of open green, using your 56-degree wedge.
Harder: Pitch from a tighter or sloppier lie to a pin close to your side of the green, and vary the wedge you use.
Common questions
When should I pitch instead of chip?
Pitch when the ball needs more air than ground, such as with a poor lie, a longer distance to the green, or a pin close to your side. Chip when you have room for the ball to roll.
Which wedge should I use for a pitch shot?
Use one of your higher-lofted wedges, such as a 52, 56 or 60-degree. The more loft you use, the higher the ball goes and the less it rolls.
