Paul Eales: Coaching report

The pros offer their advice: Traditional pitch-and-run

On a links course that is running firm and fast, some of the most difficult shots are the little chips around greens. Unlike on parkland courses, especially those in America, where there is so much rough you have to chip the ball up in the air to reach the green, on a links you can let the ground help you.

To play a pitch-and-run, the key is to remember the shot is like a long putt. Take a seven-iron and move your hands forward so they are ahead of the ball. This helps you to make sure you are hitting the ball in the middle of the club face.

The key is not to hit the ball up in the air because, if you pitch it to the green, it is unlikely it will stop if it is close to the hole. Instead, you want to drive the ball forward and get it running along the ground and on to the green.

Paul Eales is a former European Tour, and is now a professional coach and broadcaster.