Tip From the Archives
Long Pitch and Run
Problem
The green is wet or it is windy and you are 80 yards or less from the pin.
Cure
A pitch and run will help keep the ball low to the ground with less roll than you would achieve with a bump and run. If less than half of the distance to the hole is on the green, use a wedge for a pitch and run to help limit the amount the ball will roll. If you need the ball to roll a greater distance on the green, use a 7, 8, or 9 iron. The taller the grass is near the ball, the greater loft you will need.
Therapy
At address, place the ball in the center of your stance and set up so the heel of the clubface is near the ball. This will help extend your arms at impact and find the sweet spot easier. Your stance should be narrow and with about seventy percent of your weight on your forward leg. Align your body a slightly left of the target by pulling your forward foot a little over an inch behind the target line. The clubface should be aimed at the flag; as you place your hands slightly ahead of the ball, the clubface will appear to be closed. Take a shortened backswing with plenty of wrist cock. The shoulders should rock to provide a pendulum motion as you limit the amount of weight shift throughout the swing. The knee on your back leg will initiate the downswing by moving towards the target and it will continue to move towards it as you complete the follow though.
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