Do you come up short on pitches? If you said yes, you’re not alone. Many weekend golf-ers do. Coming up short boosts scores and golf handicaps. It makes breaking 80 nearly impossible.
To shave strokes from your scores and break 80, learn to hit pinpoint pitches. This skill lies within the capability of every golfer, but you must master the basics to do it consistently.
Below are the 8 keys to pinpoint pitching:
1. Pick a good landing spot with run-out
2. Adopt a slightly open address position
3. Bend naturally from the hips
4. Use a one-piece takeaway
5. Make a three-quarter backswing
6. Make a smooth natural transition
7. Release the club freely through impact
8. Keep your head still throughout the swing
Pinpoint pitching starts well before the swing. Start by picking out a good landing spot—one where you’ll get predictable run-out. Weekend golfers often aim for the hole on pitches, which can get them in trouble.
Having chosen a landing spot, do the following:
• Take slightly open address position. This lets you clear your front side in the downswing—enabling you to make solid contact.
• Bend naturally from the hips when taking your address, flex your knees slightly, and lift your chin up so your arms can swing under it.
• Use a one-piece takeaway. You want your club, hands, arms and shoulders moving away from the ball in unison.
• Make a three-quarter backswing. Keep your wrists flat until your hands are about hip high, and then start breaking them.
• Make a smooth, natural transition to your downswing. Rushing it only gets you in trouble.
• Release the club freely through impact, with your weight flowing onto your front side. Let the swing’s momentum carry the club to a balanced finish.
• Keep your head still through the swing. It helps you deliver the clubface squarely to the ball and make solid contact.
Hitting pinpoint pitches is the key to breaking 80. Use a relatively short backswing, a smooth, flowing transition from the top, and a good release of the club and your pitches will find their mark every time.
