PITCHING MADE EASY

Adding a variety of pitch shots to your armoury will help you shoot lower scores

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By Top 50 Coach Anders Mankert with Michael Weston

The best pitchers are highly proficient at a range of different shots from 130-140 yards and in, and typically know which shot best suits the situation they're facing.

As a result, instead of scrambling for par and frittering shots away (something most mid- to high-handicappers will be able to relate to!), good wedge players think about hitting it in nice and tight. I recommend mixing it up and trying to play different shots with different clubs, maybe not first time out in a competition, but certainly in casual rounds or on the range. This is where you can really shave shots off your scores. You'll notice a shift in mindset, too, as you'll start thinking more about getting it up and down rather than being happy with a par.

SHOT SELECTION

In this scenario, I can play two very different shots - a full sand wedge or a knockdown 8-iron. Lots of club golfers would choose the former, simply because it's that wedge range, but I'd play the 8-iron as the pin is at the back, and I’ve got the whole green to work with. With a wedge, you have to be so precise. It’s more of an aggressive downward strike that will produce lots of height and spin.