The original question was to gain height, to a short side pin placement. An open club face will generate the height, and the back spin created will help the ball stay put near it's landing spot. A closed club face, trapping the ball, will give it more spin, but will be lacking in height. The ball may not clear the bank. The short sided pin placement may not have enough room for a closed club face to stop the ball, even if it did clear the bank. Plus with less room to work with you would have to hit the ball more aggressively with a closed club face to generate enough spin to bring the ball back. Not enough room, and aggressive swings are not a good combination. So, an open club face equals a higher shot, while generating some back spin, which helps with a softer landing, with little roll. Hope this helps to explain it better. GJS