How to hit a pitch and run

A pitch and run shot in golf is a versatile shot used when you want to land the ball softly near the pin and have it roll out toward the hole. It's an effective shot for short approach shots or when you need to navigate tight spaces around the green. Here's how to hit a pitch and run shot:

Club Selection:

• Typically, you'll use a wedge (e.g., a sand wedge or gap wedge) for a pitch and run shot. Choose the club based on the distance to the pin and the amount of green you have to work with.

Assess the Lie and Green:

• Evaluate the lie of the ball in the rough or fairway and the condition of the green. Consider the slope, firmness, and the amount of green available between your ball and the pin.

Ball Position:

• Position the golf ball slightly back in your stance, usually around the center or just ahead of center. This promotes ball-first contact and a downward strike.

Open Stance:

• Open your stance slightly to the target (left for right-handed golfers, right for left-handed golfers). This helps align your body with the target line and encourages an out-to-in swing path.

Grip Pressure and Setup:

• Maintain a light grip pressure to enhance feel and control. Set up with your weight slightly favoring your front foot.

Alignment and Aim:

• Align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the target line or slightly open to it. Aim the clubface at the target.

Swing Length and Rhythm:

• Make a shorter backswing compared to a full swing, ensuring a controlled and smooth tempo throughout the swing.

Controlled Swing Path:

• Swing the club along the chosen target line, with a slight descending blow on the ball. The idea is to strike the ball cleanly and then let it roll.

Minimal Wrist Action:

• Limit wrist hinge in your backswing and follow-through. Maintain a relatively firm wrist position to control the trajectory.

Clean Contact:

• Focus on hitting the ball first, ensuring that you take a small divot after the ball (if at all). This contact will impart backspin on the ball, helping it stop quickly after landing.

Finish Low:

• Keep your follow-through low and controlled, with the clubhead pointing toward the target or slightly left (for right-handed golfers).

Practice:

• Spend time practicing pitch and run shots from various distances and lies around the green. Experiment with different clubs and ball positions to develop a feel for controlling distance and roll.

Course Management:

• Pay attention to the slope of the green and the firmness of the ground. These factors will influence how much the ball rolls after landing.

Remember that the key to a successful pitch and run shot is controlling the distance and trajectory. With practice, you'll develop a feel for how to vary your setup and swing to adapt to different situations on the course.