Golf Pitching Tips

Golf pitching is an important factor in achieving low golf scores. However, many golfers seem to be unaware of this fact. It's been estimated that 60% of golf shots are taken within 40 to 50 yards of the hole. Yet most golfers spend at least 80% of their practice time working on full drives. On any given day at the practice range, you'll see most players taking full swings with their driver. The truth is that most golf games could be improved with some practice time spent on golf pitching.

The golf pitch is a lofted shot with more air than ground; that is, it flies further than it rolls. If there is an obstacle between you and the flag, a golf pitch is the best way to get over it. Most golfers agree that golf pitching is more difficult to master than chipping. A successful golf pitch results in a shot that flies high, and then stops almost immediately when it lands.

The club of choice for golf pitching is, not surprisingly, the pitching wedge. The swing for a golf pitch is not a different type of swing, but rather is a shorter version of a full swing. You should still preserve a regular swing rhythm. Practice your golf swing using a musical metronome or some other regular ticking device.

The golf pitching stance might feel awkward until you're used to it. You should start out with an open stance, which means your feet will define a line to the left of the target. At the same time, your shoulders should be parallel with the line to your target. The golf ball should be positioned in the center of your stance. The length of your backswing will vary depending on the length of the shot.

Controlling distance is the key to mastering golf pitching. First, you must accurately judge the distance between you and the target. The next step is controlling the shot so that you actually hit it that amount of distance.

Many professionals carry at least three different pitching wedges in their bag.That's just another indication of how important the short game can be to your overall score. Some pros even recommend that it's worth giving up your two iron or five wood just to have more pitching wedge options in your bag.

What if you need to pitch from the tall grass in the rough? Try to get a steeper swing angle. It's nearly impossible to achieve any backspin on the golf ball when you're pitching from the rough, so take that into account when you aim.

What's the best way to get better golf pitching results? Make golf pitching a significant part of your practice routine. Investing some time in golf pitching on the practice range will pay dividends on the course.