MY GOLF BLUEPRINT

Pitching: carry the trouble, control the landing

An iron clubhead beside a golf ball on short grass. — Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels

A pitch spends more of its journey in the air than a chip. Select it when you need carry over an obstacle or a shorter rollout.

Work through it

Check the lie and how much green is available.
Choose an attainable landing area.
Use a comfortable swing length and a finish that continues through the strike.
Observe carry before changing speed.

A practical example

When a bunker lies between you and the green, aim for a landing area large enough to accept your normal distance spread.

Practice task

Alternate three landing distances with one wedge. Hit only one ball to each target before changing. Record which distances you can repeat.

Common mistakes

Do not decelerate abruptly to shorten a shot. Do not choose a high pitch from a lie that prevents clean contact.

Choose a comfortable movement and change one variable at a time. Stop if a movement causes pain; a qualified coach can adapt the task to your mobility and experience.

Sources and further reading

PGA of America: chipping and pitching setup

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