The pitch to an uphill green is a shot that we encounter fairly regularly throughout a round of golf, not only here at Oakmont but at courses everywhere. This shot can become extremely simple if played the correct way with the appropriate club. The first key to navigating this shot is to choose the correct club… since you’re likely on an uphill slope you won’t need to automatically reach for the lob wedge as the slope you’re on will add loft to the chosen club. As seen in the video, a nice soft shot was hit with a very simple motion using a 54 degree wedge.
The second key is understanding that you do not have to hit a spectacular flop shot in this situation, even to a front pin placement. Try to keep the motion as simple and easy as possible, just as you would a standard pitch shot. We like to see a fairly quiet lower body, and limited wrist and hand motion for these shots, allowing the momentum of the club to control the downswing. I consider it a successful round if I never have to try the risky flop shot, the odds just aren’t in anyone’s favor!
The second key is understanding that you do not have to hit a spectacular flop shot in this situation, even to a front pin placement. Try to keep the motion as simple and easy as possible, just as you would a standard pitch shot. We like to see a fairly quiet lower body, and limited wrist and hand motion for these shots, allowing the momentum of the club to control the downswing. I consider it a successful round if I never have to try the risky flop shot, the odds just aren’t in anyone’s favor!
Lastly, try to use the slopes on the green to your advantage, look for slopes that can help you funnel the ball towards the hole. Your best option may not always be going directly at the flag. Here on the 4th green we used the slope to the left of the flag to help us funnel the ball towards the hole, avoiding the right side of the green where the backside of the bunker would have kicked the ball away from the hole.
As with all shots in golf, select the shot or technique that is easiest for you to commit to and therefore execute successfully!