Best Way to Do Short Pitch over a Bunker

The choice of club for the pitch shot is usually between the pitching wedge and the sand iron, the most lofted clubs in the bag; these will both produce maximum height. The beginner will find the pitching wedge less ‘dangerous’ to use since the leading edge on the pitching wedge is lower than that on the sand iron. Stick to the wedge until you are proficient.

When you strike the ball correctly with the pitching wedge (that is, with a downward blow, striking first the base of the ball and then the grass), the club’s sharp leading edge will, together with its loft, give the ball back-spin and cause it to rise quickly and steeply.

The short pitch is played when the ball is not required to travel too far or too high (for instance, when you must play over a greenside bunker), but when it has to stop fairly quickly to finish near the flag.

Grip

Hold the club in the usual way, but 2 – 3 in (5-8 cm) lower down on the shaft and slightly firmer than normal to encourage a decisive downward strike.

Stance

The feet are close together in an open stance and the knees are slightly bent. The ball is positioned in the centre of the stance.

Posture

Keep your weight predominantly on the left foot, the hands just in front of the ball, and the head and upper body behind the ball.

Movement

The short pitch is a double-lever movement. Use your arms to swing the club back and then break early with your wrists to swing it up. Swing the club down through exactly the same position you had at address, hands slightly in front of the ball, holding the club firmly. Stop the club soon after the strike, with the left arm and the club shaft in a straight line, pointing at the flag, with the club head close to the ground. This helps to create sound contact and back-spin.

Short pitch over a bunker:

• Examine the lie of the ball and the distance between a sage landing spot and the flag. See in your mind’s eye the ball fly over the bunker, land at the chosen spot and stop by the flag.

• Before playing the shot, be sure to look at the landing area, not into the bunker! Now repeat that successful practice swing, taking the club back from the ball in exactly the same way and letting your left arm lead the club back to the ball.
• With intermediate target chosen and practice swings taken, place the club head behind the ball before taking your stance. Always the same routine: club head first and then the stance,
• The ball is struck and safely on its way, slightly upward (to the left) of the flag, which is on a downward-sloping green.
• Hold the finish position, with left arm and club in a straight line and club head low to the ground. Keep still until the ball has stopped – this gives you feedback.