A pitch and putt golf course offers one of the purest and most enjoyable forms of the game, focusing entirely on the craft of short shots and putting. This guide will walk you through exactly what a pitch and putt course is, how it differs from other courses, and the specific strategies you can use to shoot lower scores and have more fun.
In simple terms, a pitch and putt is a miniaturized version of a regular golf course defined by its short holes. Every hole is a par-3, meaning you are expected to get the ball from the tee to the green in one shot and then take two putts. The defining characteristic is the length of the holes, they typically range from just 40 yards up to about 100 yards.
Because the holes are so short, you only need to carry a few clubs. You're not smashing a driver or hitting long irons. Instead, the game revolves around two specific clubs: a pitching wedge (for the longer tee shots) and a putter (for the green). Some players might also bring a sand wedge or a gap wedge to have more distance options, but regulations at some traditional pitch and putt courses state you can only use these two clubs. Always check the local rules before you play!
The entire experience is a test of your short game. It cuts out the long, often frustrating, part of golf and asks a simple question: How good is your accuracy from 100 yards and in?
The lines between these types of short courses can get blurry, so let’s clear things up. While they all offer a shorter and quicker golf experience than a full-sized course, they each have distinct features that appeal to different players and skill levels.
This is the shortest of the short courses. As we covered, the holes are almost always under 100 yards. They are designed to be played with just a wedge and a putter. The focus is exclusively on pitching and putting, making it an excellent practice ground for the highest-scoring part of the game.
A Par-3 course takes the concept and stretches it out. Every hole is still a par-3, but the lengths are much more varied and can be significantly longer than a pitch and putt. You might face holes ranging from 90 yards up to 200 yards or more. Because of this, you’ll need a wider variety of clubs, including short and mid-irons (and maybe even a hybrid or wood on very long holes).
An executive course is a hybrid between a par-3 course and a full regulation course. It features mostly par-3 holes but "sprinkles in" a few par-4s and occasionally even a shorter par-5. This gives you a chance to use more of the clubs in your bag, including your driver or fairway woods, but in a much more compact time frame than a full 18-hole round on a championship course. A round on an executive course typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Pitch and putt golf is far more than just a novelty, it offers practical benefits for golfers of every single skill level, from a touring pro dialing in their wedges to a brand-new player holding a club for the first time.
Walking onto a pitch and putt with the right mindset and strategy can make all the difference. It's not about power, it's about precision. Here's how to approach it like a coach would tell you.
The single most important skill here is knowing how far you hit your wedge with different swing lengths. Before you even play, go to a driving range and learn your "clock system" yardages.
When you're on the tee, don't just think "hit the green." Pick a specific landing spot. If the hole is 65 yards, don't automatically try to hit a 65-yard shot. If there's trouble behind the green, you're better off hitting your smooth 60-yard shot and leaving yourself a short uphill putt. Always play for the "smart miss," which is usually short and in the middle of the green.
On a short course, everyone is going to hit the green, or get very close to it. The players who score well are the ones who can convert. You will have more birdie and par putts on a pitch and putt course than anywhere else, so this is your chance to really hone your green-reading and putting stroke. Take an extra moment to read the break from behind the ball. Pay attention to the speed - pitch and putt greens can sometimes be slower than regulation course greens.
You’ll inevitably miss a green and find yourself with a tricky 15-20 yard shot. This is where you can save par. Don't always reach for your most lofted wedge. Can you use a lower-lofted club like a 9-iron and "putt" it from the fairway? This bump-and-run shot is often a higher percentage play because the margin for error is much larger. Take the riskiest, highest-lofted shot out of play unless you have to (like going over a bunker). Smart choices around the green are what keeps bogeys off the card.
Even on a 50-yard swing, your setup in relation to the ball is massively important for consistency. Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, which gives you a stable base to rotate. Lean your upper body forward from the hips, letting your arms hang naturally down. This athletic posture is the foundation of a good swing, no matter the length. On these shorter shots, position the ball in the middle of your stance. A consistent setup leads to consistent contact, and consistent contact is the secret to distance control.
A pitch and putt course is one of the most valuable resources in golf. It’s a low-pressure, high-fun environment that isolates the most direct path to lower scores: wedge play and putting. Whether you’re a serious player grinding to shave strokes or a newcomer looking for a friendly first round, pitch and putt is a perfect fit.
Mastering these short courses comes down to practice and making smart strategic choices. As you develop your feel for different shots and yardages, we built Caddie AI to act as a 24/7 coach and on-course guide. You can ask any question, from club choice on a tricky tee shot to the best way to play a ball sitting in the rough. When you have a shot and you're just not sure what to do, getting instant, expert advice helps you learn faster and play with the confidence that you're making the right decision.
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