The 4 keys for pitching off wet lies

If you’re watching the PGA Championship this week, you’ll likely see players battling soggy turf. With all of the rain Quail Hollow has recently received, wet lies are sure to be a recurring challenge — and something amateurs often face early in their golf season. 

While soggy conditions can turn even a routine pitch shot into an anxiety-inducing endeavor, the pros have a game plan for handling them with confidence.

To help you do the same, we turned to GOLF Top 100 Teacher Debbie Doniger. With her expert advice, you’ll learn the proper setup and swing adjustments you need to make to achieve clean contact from wet lies. Follow her quick keys below to stop fearing wet lies and start sticking these close.

1. Narrow your stance

As Doniger explained, this allows you to come in on a steeper angle of attack, which reduces turf interaction, preventing you from hitting the ground before the ball.

2. Ball center-to-back of stance

This adjustment promotes ball-first contact, which you’ll need to avoid the dreaded chunk, especially from a soggy lie.

3. Lean forward/toward the target

Leaning forward is the final setup key and it works in three ways: it promotes a decending angle of attack, helps you cut cleanly through wet turf and prevents the dreaded “scoop” move. And, as a bonus, it also reduces spin, which is an advantage when you’ve got moisture on the clubface.

“You are trying to hit the back of the ball,” Doniger says.

But she also issues a word of warning: don’t force your hands too far ahead or you’ll chunk it.

“Sometimes people force the handle too far out front trying to hit too down on it,” Doniger says. “You don’t have to do that.”

4. Keep turning through 

Instead, think about turning through and finishing with your chest to the target. This will help you execute this shot without stopping or getting stuck at impact. 

With those four keys, and a little practice, you should be able to hit these shots like a pro.