K of C 3777 Golf League

Lengthen Your Backstroke For Better Lag Putting
The Bunker Shot
The Low Running Shot Around the Green
Conquering Uphill And Downhill Lies
Clubface At Impact
The Magic Of The Feet
Struggling With Your Long Clubs? Try These Tips
Develop A Pre-shot Routine
The Importance Of Balance
Putting
Uphill And Downhill Lies
The Differences Of Address And Impact
Grip Pressure
Pitching
Golf League Results for 2003

Pitching
Since amateurs don't hit as many greens in regulation as Tour players, they have a greater need to be good at pitching and lobbing the ball. Yet, amateurs seldom practice these stroke-saving shots.

Shots around the green require great touch and creativity. By simply extending the principle of the chipping stroke, and working on a more pronounced wrist action, we enter the realm of pitching the ball—perhaps the most important scoring shot of all.

A chip shot rolls more than it flies. A pitch shot flies more than it rolls. Always chip if you have the option—it is the easier shot to control.

Characteristics of pitching
* grip down on the club
* grip with light pressure [about three on a 10 scale]
* open stance slightly [feet parallel left at 11:00]
* place heels about 10 to 12 inches apart
* position ball in center of stance
* place weight on forward foot [about 60/40]
* lean shaft slightly toward the target
* hinge the wrists immediately on the backswing
* keep hands quiet throughout the downswing
* finish with your belt buckle facing the target
* control distance by length of backswing and follow-through

Pitching is not as difficult as it may seem.
Practicing this shot will make you a more consistent striker of the ball. Remember 70 percent of all golf shots are from within 60 yards of the flag.

.....from Scott Sackett, Director of Instruction at the PGA TOUR Golf Academy at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, FL.