When is a Pitch Shot not a Pitch Shot?

February 8, 2019

Hi, I’m Mel Sole, Director of Instruction at the Mel Sole Golf School, headquartered at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club in Pawleys Island, SC. We conduct 1, 2, and 3-day golf schools, hourly golf lessons, and senior golf schools—any golf instruction program your heart desires. Give us a call at 800-624-4653 or 843-237-4993. We will be happy to book a commuter school or a package that contains accommodations, golf, and golf school.

Monthly Golf Tip by the Mel Sole Golf School

Sometimes, you face a shot on the golf course that is too short for a regular pitch but too long for a chip. The technique for a pitch is a quick wrist hinge and a follow-through to about waist height. These shots go between 20 and 80 yards, depending on how long the backswing is. On the other hand, a chip is more with a firm wrist with no wrist break and closer to a putting stroke.

Responding to a question from regular student Barry Melvin, who asked: "How do I play the shot between 10 and 30 yards where I do not have to fly the ball very far but still need it to stop fairly quickly?"

The Solution.

Barry, the answer to this is what I would call a long chip. First, take your most lofted club, in my case, a 60-degree wedge. Next, take your normal chipping stance, with feet together and angled slightly towards the target. Then hinge your wrists slightly on the backswing (not a full cock like in a pitch) and then allow the wrists to unhinge on the downswing, making sure that there is no flip at the bottom of the arc but rather a firm-wristed follow through like a chip.

https://youtu.be/RETr3bRKmFU

Source: Mel Sole Golf School.

Thanks for watching - When is a Pitch Shot not a Pitch Shot?

Monthly Golf Tip by the Mel Sole Golf School

The Solution.

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