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Pitch ShotsPitching WedgesSpin (create a…)Wedge play = Pitching and Chipping Wedges Expert / Intermediate ⏱ 4 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Jordan Spieth's wedges near the flag

A low wedge shot into the wind, a 50-yard shot that has to climb a hill, a short pitch over a bunker: Jordan Spieth demonstrates how the same basic setup—weight shifted forward—allows him to control where the ball bounces first.

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Jordan Spieth
Jordan Spieth · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

14 minSame problemRickie Fowler's Wedge Backspin: When to Try ItRickie Fowler · Intermediate / Expert15 minSame problemBall Climbing Up the Wedge Face: 3 Shots by MorikawaCollin Morikawa · Intermediate / Expert2 minFrom the same proJordan Spieth's Low Wedge: A Bounce, Then It Slows DownJordan Spieth · Expert

What the lesson shows

From about 130 yards (120 m) out, Jordan Spieth wants to keep the ball downwind: he grabs his pitching wedge for a a soft, low, plucked fade which bounces once and then lands on the green. With 50 yards (45 m) to go to the flag at the back, he doesn't need to stop the ball: he keeps 70% of the weight in the front, the same ball position and the same face angle, but he eases up less the face so that the ball flies off and rolls up the mound.

The trickiest shot is a 30-yard pitch with a tailwind, over a bunker, with very little green left. He opens the clubface, widens his stance, keeps his weight forward, and thinks about a a “cut” motion with a slight release from the front. Keeping his weight forward ensures he doesn't hit the ground before the ball; the chopped swing creates spin. His goal: to land the ball halfway between the bunker and the hole, let the first bounce carry it toward the hole, and then let it come to a stop.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Estimate the actual distance, taking the wind into account, and choose between a shot that stops and one that rolls.
  2. Place about 70% of your weight on your front foot and keep it there.
  3. Whether you're aiming for a flag in the background or a hill to climb, don't let up on the clubface—the ball will fly.
  4. For a short pitch over an obstacle, open the blade and widen your stance.
  5. Make a slightly angled motion with a bit of relaxation in the front, striking downward.
  6. Aim for a landing area halfway between the obstacle and the hole.

Key Takeaways

About 70% of the weight remains on the front foot for all of these shots.
The ball position and front angle are the same: only the release changes.
More slack in the string bed: more spin. Less: a ball that flies straight.
Against the wind, a soft, low fade with a pitching wedge stays on target.
A wide stance helps drive the ball up the field on a short pitch.
Choose the landing zone and let the first bounce do the work.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Shifting your weight back on a short pitch: the club hits the ground before the ball.
  • Trying to block every shot while a flag at the back is being played on the move.
  • Aim for the hole instead of a landing zone.
  • Play the ball high against the wind instead of keeping it low.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Three distances: approximately 120 m, 45 m, and 30 m
  2. Same address every time, with the weight listed first
  3. Vary only the relaxation of the face and observe the roll
  4. Note where the ball lands in relation to the selected area

Your Questions

What is the “letting go” that Jordan Spieth talks about?

The amount of clubface rotation he allows to occur during the swing. The more he releases, the more spin the ball gains and the more it stops; the less he releases, the farther it flies toward a distant flag.

Why widen your stance on a short pitch?

He explains that this brings the clubface down closer to the ground sooner and helps create loft. It's a little riskier, but necessary to get the ball over a bunker.

How do you choose the landing zone on a pitch over a bunker?

Spieth aims for a spot about halfway between the bunker and the hole, counting on the first bounce to bring the ball close to the hole before it comes to a stop.

Learn More

All “Pitch Shots” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Pitching and Wedges” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Spin” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll videos on “Wedge Play = Pitching and Chipping” →Find the lesson that's right for you Rickie Fowler's Wedge Backspin: When to Try ItRickie Fowler demonstrates the "biting" pitch—a lie that stays open—and, most importantly, when to play it: only if the lie allows it; otherwise, go for the simple shot. Matsuyama's draw approach: why he changed itHis ball “slipped” along the face in the United States: Matsuyama switched from a cut approach to an inside path and a shallow entry. Matsuyama's one-handed drill: his key to the wedgeMatsuyama begins his practice sessions with one-handed approaches—first with his left hand, then with his right—to “guide” the ball onto the clubface and connect his short game with his long game. Jordan SpiethAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Jordan Spieth). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.

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