As the PGA Championship season shifts focus to major-championship scrambling, Top 100 Teacher Kellie Stenzel is sharing five essential methods to refine pitch shots. Mastering around-the-green execution lowers scoring averages immediately. Her system targets consistent contact and precise distance control.
Elite short-game metrics, like Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green and overall scrambling percentages, separate contenders at Quail Hollow from the rest of the pack. For amateurs watching the broadcasts, the path to saving par starts with mapping out exact wedge yardages before stepping onto the course. “I am a big believer in calibrating your short game, especially pitch shots, because landing distance is often critical.” To build this foundation, players must strictly document their mechanics. “Record which club and swing length produce each distance.”
Many golfers mistakenly force acceleration through the turf, creating erratic contact and chunked shots. “Instead, simply adjust the length of your backswing and allow the club’s speed to change naturally.” Routine breeds confidence. “The more consistent your setup and preparation become, the more reliable your results will be over time.” Finding the right turf interaction remains vital. Stenzel advises starting practice sessions in the rough. “Once success is established from longer grass, gradually move to tighter lies and shorter grass, which can be more challenging — especially when learning to use the bounce correctly and strike the ground consistently.”
Practicing this sequence creates reliable ground contact and improves bounce-back rates after a missed green in regulation. “One of my favorite drills for this is the ‘scrape drill.'” By dragging the wedge along the grass without lifting, players feel the proper release. “Allowing the bottom of the club to interact with the ground naturally lets the loft of the club do the work.” These fundamental shifts turn guaranteed bogeys into easy par saves as the summer schedule heats up. For those wanting deeper instruction, her extended program awaits. “If you would like to learn how to calibrate your entire short game, I have created a course designed to help you build consistency and lower your scores.”
