How to hit the perfect ‘vanilla’ pitch shot around the greens

The “vanilla” pitch shot, as I call it, is a great place to start when trying to build your foundation for all kinds of shots around the greens. It’s a basic mid-trajectory pitch that comes off with lots of spin yet still provides a solid amount for margin of error.

How do you hit it? Grab your 56- or 60-degree wedge and set up with the shaft pretty much vertical, ball slightly forward of center. Your clubface can be square to just slightly open.

As you start back, focus on turning your torso — no need for any hip, leg or hand action. As you come through impact, continue the torso-turn theme. You should feel as if the buttons on your shirt are facing the target as you stand tall in your follow-through.

A final note: Try to brush the grass just behind the ball. This will help produce a nice mid-flighted trajectory with some spin.

Parker McLachlin is a GOLF Teacher to Watch. You can learn more from him at shortgamechef.com.