Lesson Notes: The 3 Vital Scoring Shots
1. The Chip and Run (Low Trajectory)
- Club: 7-Iron.
- Situation: Plenty of green to work with, level surface, no obstacles.
- Formula: 25% Carry / 75% Roll.
- Setup: Narrow stance, ball center or slightly back, weight 60% on lead foot.
- Technique: Use a putting-style pendulum motion with a “Capital Y” arm structure. No wrist hinge.
2. The Standard Pitch (Mid Trajectory)
- Club: Pitching Wedge.
- Situation: Need to clear a small ridge or fringe with some green to work with.
- Formula: 60% Carry / 40% Roll.
- Setup: Narrow stance, ball center or half-ball left of center, weight 60% on lead foot.
- Technique: Focus on body rotation. Avoid “scooping” or “wristy” movements. Trust the loft of the club to lift the ball.
3. The Flop Shot (High Trajectory)
- Club: Most lofted wedge (e.g., 58° or 60°).
- Situation: Last resort shot. High obstacle (bunker) with a tight pin and little green.
- Formula: High vertical carry / almost zero roll.
- Setup: Wider stance, ball inside lead heel, clubface rotated open to “1 o’clock” before gripping.
- Technique: Stand closer and more upright to encourage a shallower, rounder swing. Use the wrists to let the clubhead pass the hands at impact.
FAQ
Q: Why should I rotate the clubface before putting my hands on the grip for a flop shot?
A: If you grip normally and then twist your wrists to open the face, your hands will return to “square” at impact, closing the face. Rotating the club first and then gripping it ensures the loft remains open through the strike.
Q: How do I know where to land my 7-iron chip?
A: Use the 25/75 rule. Visualize the total distance and pick a landing spot only a quarter of the way there. Treat the rest of the shot like a putt and read the green for breaks.
Q: What is the main cause of “thinning” a pitch shot?
A: Usually, it’s staying on the back foot or scooping with the wrists. This causes the club to reach its low point too early. Keeping 60% of your pressure on the lead foot ensures the club hits the turf in the right spot.
Q: When should I choose a flop shot over a standard pitch?
A: Only when there is no other option. It is a high-risk shot. If there is room to run the ball, the chip or standard pitch is always the safer play.
