SET UP FOR THE SHOT YOU WANT TO HIT
Partial wedges and pitches are the score-making shots. That’s just as true for tour players as it is for a 15-handicapper. If you have 20 to 80 yards into a green, a one-putt is your goal. The players who are better at it make more birdies, save more pars and get themselves out of more jams. The keys are to pick the right shot for the situation and to take control of three factors: distance, height and spin.
1. LOW PITCH A low, skipping pitch shot is a great play when you have lots of green to work with and can roll the ball to the hole. Your stance is slightly open, and the ball is back, off your right heel. Keep the clubface square to slightly open to make the bounce on the club’s sole skid along the turf.
2. STANDARD PITCH Good players hit standard pitch shots from a neutral address position—a square stance and clubface, a middle ball position and only a slight forward lean of the shaft. As you swing the club, you want to feel like you’re hitting a mini hook shot, but still skimming the club’s sole off the turf.
3. HIGH PITCH Pitch shots stop quickly for two reasons: height and backspin. By opening the face and moving the ball forward, you pre-set a higher flight. You also need more speed to create spin, so turn your body faster instead of flashing your hands through impact. Flash speed is hard to control.
Comentarios