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Pitching WedgesGolf Rules and BasicsWedge play = Pitching and Chipping Wedges Beginner ⏱ 2 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Types of Golf Approaches Explained by Marion Ricordeau

An approach shot is the shot that brings you onto the green as close to the flag as possible. Marion Ricordeau identifies three types and demonstrates them one after another: an 85-yard wedge shot, a rolling chip, and a pitch shot.

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Marion Ricordeau
Marion Ricordeau · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

15 minNext Level UpBall Climbing Up the Wedge Face: 3 Shots by MorikawaCollin Morikawa · Intermediate / Expert14 minSame problem35 to 55 Yard Pitch Shots: Jean-Baptiste GonnetJean-Baptiste Gonnet · Beginner / Intermediate2 minFrom the same proBuilding Your Golf Bag: The Clubs, Marion RicordeauMarion Ricordeau · Beginner

What the lesson shows

Marion Ricordeau defines the approaches as shots that allow you to get as close to the flag as possible on the green. She identifies three of them. Wedge play covers shots ranging from 20 to 110 yards; she demonstrates this with an 85-yard wedge shot.

The other two are still up in the air around the green, depending on whether there is an obstacle or not. If there is no obstacle, it is the chip, rolled up a bit. With an obstacle between the ball and the flag, she shows an approach where you have to lift the ball a little. The video provides a brief overview of these types of shots, without going into technical details.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Estimate how far you are from the flag.
  2. For distances between 20 to 110 yards, choose a wedge shot.
  3. If you're near the green with no obstacles, play a rolling chip shot.
  4. If there's an obstacle between you and the flag, lift the ball slightly.

Key Takeaways

One approach is to get the ball as close to the flag as possible on the green.
Wedge play covers shots ranging from 20 to 110 yards.
Around the green with no obstacles: a chip shot that rolls quite a bit.
With one challenge: a shot that lifts the ball slightly.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Use the same approach regardless of the situation.
  • Lifting the ball near the green when there is no obstacle requiring it.
  • Play a roll shot when there is an obstacle between the ball and the flag.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Wedge shots over distances ranging from 20 to 110 yards
  2. Chips rolled around the green without any obstacles
  3. Pitch shots made from above an obstacle

Your Questions

How many types of approaches are there?

Marion Ricordeau demonstrates three types of wedge play: the wedge shot, the rolled chip, and the pitch shot over an obstacle.

What is wedge play?

These are shots between 20 to 110 yards; she demonstrates this with an 85-yard wedge shot.

When should you choose a rolled chip shot over a pitch shot?

The rolled chip shot is played around the green without any obstacles; as soon as an obstacle is in the path, it lifts the ball slightly.

Learn More

All “Pitching and Wedges” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Golf Rules and Basics” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll videos on “Wedge Play = Pitching and Chipping” →Find the lesson that's right for you Justin Thomas's backspin pitch: grip and handsHigh pitch that stops: light left-hand grip in the palm, hands low to set up the bounce, long-putt tempo, and a “thrown” head for more spin. Ball Climbing Up the Wedge Face: 3 Shots by MorikawaToo much loft at impact causes the ball to rise off the clubface: Morikawa demonstrates how to avoid this with a 40-yard wedge shot, a lob, and an uphill pitch. A Partial Wedge Shot That Bites: The Morikawa MethodA feel-based system rather than a clock, a short backswing without decelerating, and a descending strike even uphill to make the ball bite. Marion RicordeauAll of his lessons

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

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