6 Short-game Solutions for Saving Par

Chipping from the short side

Pitching high over trouble

Dealing with an elevated green

Lagging a long putt

Escaping a downhill bunker lie

Executing the half-wedge

Related articles appeared
in January 2009 issue of
Golf Digest

How to get out of the worst greenside jams

Pitching high over trouble



Ask amateurs to hit a pitch shot onto a green, and they usually can do it. Then put them behind a bunker, water hazard or any obstacle requiring a carry, and they suddenly try to scoop the ball into the air. That leads to a thin or fat shot that usually ends up in the hazard or over the green. You don't have to be intimidated by this shot. Just set up correctly and let the sand wedge-which is designed to be forgiving when you don't make great contact-do its job.

How to: For high pitch shots, play the ball center to slightly forward. Lean the shaft slightly away from the target, then try to swing your right forearm into a straight line with the shaft through impact. Practice this move one-handed (left). Leaning the shaft back exposes the wedge's bounce, which will skim along the turf and make it easier to pop the ball up.

Golf Digest January 2009