Learn the 'chitch'

Using one basic motion, you can eliminate guess-work and hit the ball close from just about any greenside situation. I call this the, "chitch," because it combines the low chip-and-run with a higher pitch shot. Its trajectory is in between, which makes it a great go-to short-game play.

When to play the chitch

You can hit this shot inside 30 yards of the green or whenever you have some green to work with and the ball is not in sand or deep rough.

Club selection:

You should choose a club based on the carry-to-roll ration you need. To fly the ball half the total distance and let it roll the final half, use pitching wedge.

PW = 50 percent air, 50 percent roll

SW = 70 percent air, 30 percent roll

A 9- or 8-iron will carry about one-third the distance to the hole and roll about two-thirds.

8-iron = 35 percent air, 65 percent roll

I recommend taking no more than a 7-iron, which should fly the ball about a quarter of the way.

7 iron = 25 percent air, 75 percent roll

Setup:

Play the ball one inch back from the middle of your stance, because the chitch should always roll a little. Your hands should be in line with your left heel so the shaft of the club leans forward. Put 60 percent of your weight on your front foot. This setup encourages you to make contact while the club is descending.

The chitch swing:

Keep the hands soft with a light grip pressure. Arms will swing back with a little shoulder turn and a partial wrist hinge. Let the arms and handle lead the clubhead in the downswing. As the leading edge of the club strikes the bottom of the ball allow the legs and tummy to turn through the shot. The length of the follow through should be the same length as the backswing. I call this a, 'soft but dead hands chitch,' which will be a score saver, and a one do-it-all shot around the green.