Pitching WedgesSpin (create a…)Wedge play = Pitching and Chipping Wedges Expert / Intermediate ⏱ 1 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Viktor Hovland's low pitch that slows him down

Name: Viktor Hovland's low pitch that slows him down
Uploaded: 2024-10-24T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 1 min 24 s
Channel: Viktor Hovland
Description: A pitch of about 30 yards (27 m) with plenty of green: most players would choose a less open club to get the ball rolling. In less than a minute and a half, Viktor Hovland shows why he sticks with his 60° wedge—and how he gets it to fly low.

A pitch of about 30 yards (27 m) with plenty of green: most players would choose a less open club to get the ball rolling. In less than a minute and a half, Viktor Hovland shows why he sticks with his 60° wedge—and how he gets it to fly low.

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Viktor Hovland · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

14 minSame problemMatsuyama's one-handed drill: his key to the wedgeHideki Matsuyama · Intermediate / Expert 14 minSame problemRickie Fowler's Wedge Backspin: When to Try ItRickie Fowler · Intermediate / Expert 2 minFrom the same proViktor Hovland's Lag Putting SecretViktor Hovland · Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Viktor Hovland acknowledges that many players would choose a 56°, a 50°, or even a pitching wedge to get the ball rolling on a long green. He prefers 60° almost everywhere around the greens, and look here a low ball with spin. It is placed right next to the ball and is making significant progress the entire upper body toward the target.

This position creates’handle angle and an attack stiff on the ball. He takes a divot, but that's not a problem, because the ball is touched first. It comes out low, bounces twice, and stops near the hole. The video is very short: be sure to remember these three key points—close stance, chest forward, and make contact with the ball first.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Take your 60° club and stand very close to the ball.
Lean your upper body forward toward the target, with your hands in front of the ball.
Swing down steeply toward the ball, without trying to lift it.
Hit the ball first, then the ground: the ball goes out low, bounces, and slows down.

Key Takeaways

The 60° club can also be used for a low shot, not just for a lob.

Stand very close to the ball.

Move your entire upper body toward the target: the shaft will tilt.

Slicing shot: A divot is normal if the ball is struck first.

Mistakes to Avoid

Lean back with your upper body: the swing is no longer stiff.
Being afraid of the divot and lifting the club before the ball.
Stand far from the ball, just as you would for a full swing.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Pitches of about 27 m at a 60° angle, with the upper body leaning forward
Check that the divot begins after the ball's position
Count the bounces before the ball slows down

Your Questions

Why use a 60° when there's plenty of green?

Viktor Hovland says he prefers his 60° wedge almost everywhere around the greens. On this pitch, he uses it to hit a low shot that spins and stops, rather than a ball that rolls.

Is the divot a problem on this shot?

No. With his upper body leaning forward, the swing is steep and he hits a divot, but he makes contact with the ball first, so the shot comes out low and clean.

What happens after the impact?

In the demonstration, the ball comes out low, bounces once or twice, and then slows down near the hole.

Learn More

All “Pitching and Wedges” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All “Spin” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All 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. Viktor HovlandAll of his lessons

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