Whether you need to clear a bunker, navigate thick rough, or land the ball softly on the green, the pitch shot is a go-to for many golfers. Yet, despite its reputation as a short-game staple, most amateurs struggle to hit it consistently — which is probably why this pitching guide became our most-read tip of 2025.
To finish the year strong, let’s revisit that simple short-game blueprint from Kellie Stenzel, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher, so you can master this shot in the New Year.
Pitch shots require a high-lofted wedge to lift the ball over obstacles and land it softly on the green. Choosing the right club depends on distance and trajectory:
Lob Wedge (58–60°) – Ideal for short, delicate pitches.
Sand Wedge (56°) – Perfect for standard pitch shots around the green.
Gap Wedge (50–52°) – Best for longer pitch shots requiring more distance.
Remember, higher loft equals higher ball flight.
The bounce is the angled part of your wedge’s sole that helps the club glide over the turf instead of digging into it. Proper use of bounce increases forgiveness on tricky shots and makes it easier to get the ball airborne.
To ensure the leading edge of your club is slightly off the ground at address to take full advantage of the bounce.
Many golfers make the mistake of closing the clubface at address, which causes mis-hits. With high-loft wedges, a properly square face may actually look slightly open.
For more accuracy, use the leading edge as a reference to ensure your clubface is square. This subtle adjustment can significantly improve your control on high-launching shots.
Distance control comes mainly from your backswing length. A longer backswing increases clubhead speed, helping the ball carry farther.
You can track how far the ball travels with different swing lengths. However, your main goal should always be to clear obstacles and land on the green, even if rollout varies.
A common mistake is trying to scoop the ball into the air. Instead, let the club strike the ground with a distinct “thump.” This ensures the ball is compressed properly, allowing the loft and bounce of the wedge to do the work.
Remember: A solid ground strike creates a high, soft-landing shot that stops quickly on the green.
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