Punch rather than Pitch

Course management is an issue for me at present. The full wedge shot and pitch have been my bug bare.

Have had a good friend (low marker) work with me on my game and very recently made a suggestion which I'd like to share with you.

When the 40m - 60m shot permits, punch it with a slight cut rather than using the pitch shot. This is the percentage shot rather than trying to hit a high ball in.

We went out onto the course today where he showed me what he does. This is the percentage shot - 9 times out of 10 it's on the green. Even if hit poorly.

Try it - when permitting, ie, pin position and hazards etc.

Use a s/w, p/w or 9 iron.

If a full wedge shot is required try using a punch shot with the 9 iron. If a pitch is required try using a punch shot with your s/w, g/w or p/w.

Stand slightly open at address but the club face at the target. Swing on plane with your shoulders and feet - it will feel like your cutting the ball.

This is something I have done before but have never considered it to be a regular shot to play, until now.

Let me know how you get on.

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I have seen this type of shot used to great effect by my father-in-law, where the ball scampers up on the green.

I've tried it and it just isn't me. I prefer a 3/4 wedge (pitch/gap/sand) for those 100 yards and in shots and I never try to hit a wedge with a full swing. Mainly as my bad shot with a full swing wedge is a nasty thin that travels about twice as far as it should (there are few things more depressing than a 200 yard wedge shot that sails over the green!).

The only time I use this shot is when it's very windy, for obvious reasons.

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TaylorMade Rescue Dual TP (16°, 19°) stiff
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Scotty Cameron Circa 62 #3 35/330

I'm with you, BRS. I have no confidence in my chipping, but love the 7:30 swing to pitch with. The only thing I often forget about is the rollout that's inevitable. I'll find myself with a 30 yard pitch to the pin, and hit my 28 yard carry shot... only to watch my ball roll by and give me a 12 or 15 footer. D'OH! But I'm getting better...

What a game... so much to think about - lie, wind, slope, carry, roll, bug on my ball, dirt on my ball, spot on my shoe, I can hear that bird, why is that guy yelling... sorry - I get distracted.

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I say it too often: If it's golf club shaped, you can play with it.

For the record, I'm a club doctor, not a swing doctor.

We all know that with the pitch and full wedge shot accuracy is paramount.

Yesterday was the first round of golf I've played executing/considering the punch before the pitch or full wedge shot.

I found it to be the percentage shot. It's amazing, hits the deck, a hop and it stops dead. It was on the dance floor.

Hello
I have enjoyed reading this thread and there have been some sound points put across.
There is another time that i like to use this type of shot. when i am off the fairway and in the trees ( it happens ) , i like to punch the ball out, playing the ball of my back foot, this way the ball flight stays low( becuase the club has been delofted by moving it back in stance) and allows me to escape without hitting any low hanging tree branches.

Silas.

Silas,

What club do you use to get out of the woods?

When I need distance I use my 3 wood to punch it out. If no distance is required and placement is paramount, I use my 7 iron or 19*hybrid.

Nicole

Hi Nicole,

Great thread............this is a shot I use everytime I play......I stand with my feet approx six to eight inches apart slightly open and just a half a backswing with a full body turn through gives a powerfull punchy swing.

I like to thump an 8 iron from 100yds especially if the lie is a bit poor...........ball below my feet etc or a windy day.

Just to add, I like the same type of shot from 20yds with a wedge, just a short punch gives loads of backspin on the second or third bounce just to bring the ball to an abrupt stop.


Ian xxoo

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Once you learn the swing, your next step is mastering golf psychology................

I think its a preference thing

My father in law plays this shot whenever he's anywhere within 150 yards of the green and he's darn good at it. A half punch with a lower club (i.e. if he's 120 out he'll hit a low punch with a 7 or 6). I tried it a while back but I just couldnt get the distance control down and theres too many variables for me especially like as now when the fairways are like runways and youre never sure what sort of bounce or kick the ball might get

Im back to floated wedges and short irons but on the rock hard fairways im finding it nigh on impossible to get any backspin

I sort of "discovered" this shot a few days ago when I was on the range and just decided to try something new. From 80 yds I'd usually hit a 3/4 SW but instead I tried the "cut punch" with a 9I, I can see how this is the shot in windy conditions, rellay kept a beeline to the flag. However, it seems a tad difficult to control distance. From 80 yds I want to be down in two at least 50% of the time and some shots ended up 5 yds long or short. I realize I need to develop touch and feel for those shots, so I'm curious, those of you who use it, how good is your distance control?