Pitching the Pros Way
Let’s get it straight Pitching and Chipping are different. We’re going to talk about Pitching. Normally when you pitch your ball you’re not right next to the green. 
You have to decide how much green you have to work with. Is it uphill or downhill? Also a big factor is rough or tight lies. This will help you decide what club to take. I personally like to stick with two clubs. A 56* and a Gap (52*) wedge.
Let’s talk about your setup. This will dictate your impact. I personally like to play most of my shots behind center or back in my stance. I also like to have a slightly open stance. This help keep the club slightly open during the pitch shot. I see way to many amateurs play the ball forward as they want to lift it up in the air. Bad idea. Let the loft of the club do the work. If you need to hit the ball high open the face more to add loft.
The swing is the key. It’s only a pitch shot so you don’t need a big back swing. Practice will help you learn to control your distance You cant practice this shot too much. Keep the face square on the back swing. not closed Limit your wrist hinge, don’t get flippy. Watch Steve Sticker, beautiful motion.
Now the Downswing. Be patent don’t panic. Make sure that arms and body are moving together. I see to many players trying to flip at the ball. Most important, keep the body and club moving left and rotating through impact. By keeping the body moving you may be surprised when you stop hitting those fat shots. Also, let the sole of the club do the work by just skimming the turf. With this lesson you should be able to get that ball up and down and bring the score down.
Terry Ferraro, PGA
