How do I hit better pitch shots?

What causes it

Partial wedges from 30 to 100 yards need distance control, clean contact and a repeatable length of swing. Errors come from decelerating, scooping or changing wrist action on every shot. Distance control is mostly about repeating the same length and tempo of swing. Golfers who change grip pressure, wrist action or how far they take the club back on every shot get random results, even with a good strike. Poor ball position and weight too far back also send contact behind the ball.

How golfers fix it

Rick Shiels' This Golf Lesson Changed my LIFE! is recommended by 5 golfers, with 2 saying it helped, covering technique and bounce. Phil Mickelson's Chipping 101 and Short Game Secrets each have 3 recommendations and all 3 golfers say they helped. Dan Grieve's pitch shot video has 4, with a stock 60 yard wedge. Golfers work on:

• A clock system for swing length.
• A narrow stance with weight slightly forward.
• Letting the bounce glide through the turf.

Common mistakes

Decelerating into the ball is the most common mistake. Another is using full swings with soft wedges and hoping the ball lands right. Learn three carry distances first. Track your carry distances with three swing lengths and write them down; that notebook is worth more than any swing tip when you are 60 yards from the pin.

Written with AI from the lessons and recommendations above. Not a substitute for a coach.