Here’s the pitch

How to get it close when within 100 yards of the hole

By Frank Dully

How many times have you been less than 100 yards from the green, in position for birdie, and then botched your next shot causing you to card a bogey or worse? Most amateur golfers see this scenario play out on a frequent basis and, in turn, their scores soar.

The best way to get it close when you’re within 100 yards is to master the pitch and run shot. This kind of shot is lower than a normal soft pitch. It will run or release to the hole rather than stopping quickly upon landing.

Situations for attempting a pitch and run include:

• Into or against a strong wind.

• A green that is open in front (Donald Ross style green) so you can run the ball on, or the pin is at the back of a long green.

• Whenever the pin is located on the back of a tiered green when a soft pitch will not hold on the top tier.

• A tight or sparse lie with little grass making a lofted pitch very risky.

Conditions and distance determine the club selection. You can use a 5-iron all the way up to a pitching wedge.