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Pitch ShotsDraw or FadePitching WedgesWedge play = Pitching and Chipping Wedges Expert ⏱ 8 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Justin Thomas's Short Game: Draws, Fades and Cuts

On the practice green with Parker McLachlin, Justin Thomas describes his basic pitch and how he uses it to execute a whole range of shots: a low draw, a cut, a very low ball that bites, and a high ball. For him, the short game is all about feel, not mechanical thinking.

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Justin Thomas
Justin Thomas · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

8 minSame problemJustin Rose's Approach to Short Game PlayJustin Rose · Expert3 minSame problemButch Harmon's high, soft pitch—the Mickelson methodButch Harmon · Expert2 minFrom the same proJustin Thomas's Wedge: How He Prepares for the ShotJustin Thomas · Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Justin Thomas plays mostly 60 degrees Around the greens: This club allows him to be aggressive, and it’s when he’s aggressive that he chips and pitches best. His standard pitch has a medium, somewhat low trajectory with spin: a few bounces, then the ball stops. He draws inspiration from Jordan Spieth, who keeps the clubface square at impact from a very neutral address position. For him, It is the hands that generate the movement and gauge the distance: even if he’s thinking mechanically, he still needs to be able to feel his hands, just like when putting.

For a change, The ball position, club shaft angle, and clubface angle change at address, then he sees the trajectory and the landing spot. The draw requires him to come from the inside, but he doesn't think about it mechanically. For a slight cut, he opens up a little and feels himself swinging slightly to the left. His weight remains neutral, slightly to the left. The very low ball He plays the ball very far back and keeps his hands very far forward, as if to drive the ball into the ground; he uses this technique, for example, at Augusta to play up a slope without too much speed.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Set a basic pitch of 60 degrees, neutral stance, weight slightly to the left.
  2. Visualize the trajectory and the landing spot before adjusting your aim.
  3. For a low draw, adjust the ball position, grip, and clubface, then let your hands find the right swing.
  4. For a slight slice, open the clubface slightly and feel the club head move slightly to the left.
  5. For a very low ball, move the ball back significantly and move your hands forward.
  6. For a high shot toward a flag at the back of the green, open up your stance and play a sharper cut shot.

Key Takeaways

The 60-degree wedge allows Justin Thomas to stay aggressive around the greens.
Basic pitch: medium-to-low trajectory, a few bounces, then the ball stops.
The hands generate movement and control the distance.
For variety: the ball position, club shaft angle, and clubface angle change at address.
Light cut: Open up a little and swing slightly to the left.
Very low ball: ball very far back, hands very far forward.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Playing with mechanical thoughts that prevent you from feeling your hands.
  • Choose a less open club and become hesitant for fear of going too far.
  • Adjust your body weight instead of the ball position and the angle of the shaft.
  • Trying to be creative without a solid foundation or hours of practice.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. A basic 60-yard pitch toward a flag at the back of the green
  2. Same distance with a low draw, then a slight cut
  3. Very low ball, ball behind you, and hands forward
  4. A series in which the landing point is chosen before each shot

Your Questions

Why does Justin Thomas mainly play the 60-degree club?

Because this club allows him to be aggressive: with less loft, he might hesitate for fear of hitting the ball too far. When he hits it well, he knows how the ball will spin.

Which part of the body controls his short game?

The hands. They control the distance; even with a mechanical approach, he has to be able to feel them, otherwise his speed control will be off—just like with putting.

How does he hit a very low ball?

The ball is positioned very far back, his hands are positioned very far forward, and it feels as if he’s driving the ball into the ground. He uses this shot particularly at Augusta to play up a slope without too much speed.

Does body weight change depending on height?

Not much. He tends to stay neutral, leaning slightly to the left, and focuses mainly on the ball's position and the angle of the club shaft.

Learn More

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

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros