Ask Dr. Dave 

Each week Dave Johnson, PGA Class A Director of Instruction at Rooster Run Golf Club will select a question submitted by you, the curious golfer. The answer to this lucky golfer's question will be published right here.

Pitching is an emotional necessity in the game. Hit a good, shot instantaneous elation with a lower score. Hit a poor shot, instantaneous despair and a bloating of the score. There is a simple process to reduce the despair and save your scores without changing the amount of practice or getting instruction. It is modifying the strategies that you take to the course.

Effective pitching strategies merely give the golfer greater margins for error so a slight miscue can end positively. Here is my list of simple strategies to improve your outcomes and boost your confidence.

1. Lower shots are easier to control. The higher a ball flies the more force it takes to arrive at the target. Making a bigger swing introduces more opportunity for form breaks. Higher shots also require more precise contact. If your form is not pure opt for the lower shot.
   
2. Create angles into the green that give the greatest area to hit to. There are times when we know our next shot will not reach the green so plan ahead. Hit the lay up shot to a location that is relatively flat and exposes the greatest amount green surface to pitch onto.
   
3. Reduce the obstacles that you must fly over with the pitch. If possible avoid having to clear bunkers, severe mounding, deep grass and water hazards.
   
4. Try to pitch onto slopes that face toward you. The slope can serve as a gentle backstop to help slow the momentum of the pitch.
   
5. Develop a basic 'bread and butter' shot that is between 30-60 yards, a pitch that you have confidence in executing. Choose a club that seems dependable and observe the characteristics of the pitch, its flight and roll. Then strive to set it up.