Pitching in wet, soft, and muddy conditions

[ajw426]

I searched for this topic and failed to find anything specifically related to pitching, so here goes: Being spring time in Indiana here, I run into these soft condition types with frequency. I just got back from playing in them today actually, and as usual, I struggle with my pitching more in these conditions than any. I have recently been reworking my pitching techniques via the "quickie pitching video" thread and am attempting to implement that type of style. I feel that I do well in more firm ground conditions and can consistently pitch well even off of my wooden deck. In particular, I find it more difficult to use the bounce when soft due to a lack of resistance when the sole strikes the ground. Does this mean that my pitching technique is not quite there yet (I know there is some tweaking left to do), or should I be changing my approach in these conditions and am failing to do so? I'm obviously not searching for tips on my individual swing in particular, but simply tips for these conditions in general. Thanks in advance!

[joekelly]

If greens too are soft, why not use the 9i, even 8i, on the chip shots?  There won't be much run out and IMO,  those irons much easier to strike cleanly around the green.  Any mental issues, like club or skill insecurity, with wedge in hand won't lead to good results.

[ajw426]

If greens too are soft, why not use the 9i, even 8i, on the chip shots?  There won't be much run out and IMO,  those irons much easier to strike cleanly around the green.  Any mental issues, like club or skill insecurity, with wedge in hand won't lead to good results.

That was one technique I used today with some moderate success. I opened them up slightly to encourage any ability to use the bounce. I meant to mention that as a possible solution to these conditions in my OP, but forgot. That being said, my main course has pretty fast greens with lots of undulations. It is still common that I need to throw the ball somewhat high to get it close even if theither greens are soft.

[Patch]

I don't play in soft, muddy conditions that much. However, there have been times when I those types of conditions sprung up after a thunderstorm rolled through. I too have had trouble using my normal chipping/pitching stroke in those conditions.  What I did was three fold. Depending on the shot I needed, I would either use my putter, a thin hit with an iron, and/or use my 5, or 7 fairway wood. One of those three usually kept me from hitting a fatty. I just spent some time practicing using those clubs in poor conditions, and eventually learned what would work best for the shot at hand under terrible conditions. I found that choking down with my fairway woods was usually the best choice. Using my putter was my second choice, and thin hitting with an iron was a hardly ever used, third choice.

[bjwestner]

If greens too are soft, why not use the 9i, even 8i, on the chip shots?  There won't be much run out and IMO,  those irons much easier to strike cleanly around the green.  Any mental issues, like club or skill insecurity, with wedge in hand won't lead to good results.

Probably because he's referring to situations where you can't use that kind of club.  I have this situation often where I have to hit a 40 or 50 yard pitch shot that usually requires me using my lob wedge because you have to carry something (i.e. bunker) but get the ball to stop quick enough on the green.  Even using a gap wedge or pitching wedge is hard to impossible because the amount of run would be too much.

So you are left with a shot where if you hit it fat at all, you are coming up short basically.  Usually it's from a tight lie in the fairway too but because the ground is so wet it makes it a very tough shot.

I do not like this shot at all and have it often and when the ground is super wet it makes it a very tough shot.  I've gotten better at it but am far from perfect.  I just focus on picking the ball clean with my lob wedge - there's really no room for error because if you are fat at all then the ball is going to be short.....

[ajw426]

Probably because he's referring to situations where you can't use that kind of club.  I have this situation often where I have to hit a 40 or 50 yard pitch shot that usually requires me using my lob wedge because you have to carry something (i.e. bunker) but get the ball to stop quick enough on the green.  Even using a gap wedge or pitching wedge is hard to impossible because the amount of run would be too much.  So you are left with a shot where if you hit it fat at all, you are coming up short basically.  Usually it's from a tight lie in the fairway too but because the ground is so wet it makes it a very tough shot.  I do not like this shot at all and have it often and when the ground is super wet it makes it a very tough shot.  I've gotten better at it but am far from perfect.  I just focus on picking the ball clean with my lob wedge - there's really no room for error because if you are fat at all then the ball is going to be short.....

Sounds like people are in agreement that you are forced to pick it clean or else. I was hoping there may be an alternative option, but alas.

[Gunther]

Sounds like people are in agreement that you are forced to pick it clean or else. I was hoping there may be an alternative option, but alas.

The alternative is to plan to dig in and swing harder, I've played shots that way when I just didn't feel like I had a choice. A hybrid is an option but man, that takes practice, I always hit it way long. Huge pet peeve of mine. Ok when it has been wet but pisses me off when the course is dry yet they over-water in front of the greens.

[Dave2512]

That is my experience pick it clean or risk the club digging. I just play the ball back a bit and plant my weight forward knowing the squishy green will kill some of the roll out if it's too thin. But it has to be real wet for it to be a concern, like first day on the course after it's been covered in snow for several weeks wet.

[ajw426]

That is my experience pick it clean or risk the club digging. I just play the ball back a bit and plant my weight forward knowing the squishy green will kill some of the roll out if it's too thin. But it has to be real wet for it to be a concern, like first day on the course after it's been covered in snow for several weeks wet.

So, when they are simply soft and tight lies, what is your approach? I still find that it is very difficult to use the bounce when I have tight lies with soft/slightly muddy ground underneath. (When I said pick it clean on the post above, I also mentally included striking the ball first and taking a small divot as part of that contact type)