Two Common Golf Pitching Mistakes

We’ve all been here before. Your golf ball is set up for an easy pitch shot… all that you have to do is swing nice and light to the green. But somehow, to your complete frustration, things go awry and what started as a great hole turns into a double bogey or worse.

There is nothing more infuriating than being set up for a stiff shot and having to watch in horror and disappointment as you lay the sod over it. How about the telltale “SMACK” of your pitching wedge as the lead edge launches your ball right past the green or the (un)-comfortable vibrations of a shank as your ball careen sideways?

Here are a couple of the most common pitching mistakes that senior golfers make and some simple tips to keep in mind for avoiding the above disasters the next time you approach that perfect pitch shot:

Clubface Aimed Toward the Left or Right

One of the most common mistakes in pitching is aiming the clubface to the left or right. Even the slightest hint of this error can result in pushed or pulled shots and exaggerating the problem can lead to those dreaded shank shots.

A good way to alleviate this problem is to aim at your target with the clubface first, before you adjust with your body. As long as it won’t shift the ball or cause penalty to do so (in a bunker or deep grass for instance), aim the clubface and place it firmly on the ground behind your ball, leaning the top of the shaft against your hand as you adjust your body. This keeps the club face fixed and on-target for the shot.

Taking the time to adjust your shot with the clubface first can quickly resolve any inconsistencies in your pitching and short-game accuracy.

Misjudging the Shift in Ball Position

The second most common mistake involves the stance you take over the ball… play the ball too far back and you are probably going to hit the ground before you hit the ball (fat shot); play the ball too far forward and you end up sending it skinny.

If you are seeing either of these results with consistency in your pitching and short-game shots, it may be time to slow down and double-check your stance in relation to the ball.

It seems all too easy, but adjusting your position over the ball can make a HUGE difference in hitting the pitch shot cleanly or not.

Now that you know the most common pitching mistakes and how to fix them, you may find that pitching becomes your favorite part of golf!