Wedge play

PLAYING FROM 40 YARDS WITH A 60° WEDGEThe problem for many higher handicappers, particularly within 50 yards, is that they’ll attempt a half or three-quarter swing with a sand wedge. Unless you know your yardages, the loft of your wedges or the limitations of your own game, it’s difficult to avoid mis-hitting the ball. A wedge with a higher loft allows you to hit a more purposeful shot without having to alter your back swing or follow through. 

PLAYING FROM 60 YARDS TO A RAISED GREEN WITH A gap WedgeThe key to improved distance control is to know how far you hit the ball with each club. A distance of 60 yards can fall between clubs, so with a raised tier it’s better to turn to a gap Wedge. It will allow you to launch a high shot for the necessary yardage, but it will also allow you to control the ball on the green with spin 

PLAYING FROM 100 YARDS WITH A gap WedgeThe club you use will depend on how far you can hit each wedge. For many players, 100 yards will mean either a pitching wedge or a gap Wedge, but selecting a gap Wedge usually involves playing a more complete swing, instead of having to attempt the ‘nine o’clock’ position with the pitching wedge. The gap Wedge will also generate more backspin than the pitching wedge, so it won’t roll as much. 

PLAYING FROM A BUNKER WITH A 60° WEDGELand in the bunker and most handicappers will select a sand wedge from their golf bag. The textbooks tell us to open the face of the club to increase the bounce and get a higher trajectory, but for amateur players this isn’t easy without a lot of practice. A shorter club with a higher loft, such as a Lob Wedge, will allow you to play a more complete shot, while offering the same height and control. Your Club Pro will be able to talk you through what clubs are best used in certain situations, depending on your swing and skill level.

PLAYING FROM THE FRINGE WITH A 60° WEDGE AND LITTLE GREENWith little room to play with between the edge of the green and the pin, a higher loft is required to prevent the ball from rolling too far. A Lob Wedge should provide the control required. 

PLAYING FROM THE FRINGE WITH A HIGH LOFT WEDGE AND MORE GREENUsing a higher loft with more green to play with allows you to play a fuller shot than, say, a pitching wedge, where a shorter back swing and follow through would be required. You can achieve more loft with a Lob Wedge while being able to play a more complete swing. However, if there is nothing to go over I recommend playing a chip and run shot where possible with a longer club, such as a seven-iron.

                                                                    

                                                              PLAYING FROM THE COLLAR

Lower handicappers might consider a more creative shot, such as using a putting motion with a wood from the fringe of the green, as well as the more obvious wedge option. It depends on how much grass lies between the club head and the ball, and while either option uses a similar stance, you should allow for the ball to run further when using a wood because of its closed face. 

BOUNCE SITUATIONSThe sole of the wedge is angled so that the trailing edge of the club is closer to the ground than the leading edge. This is what causes the club to ‘bounce’ off the ground. The greater the angle from leading edge to trailing edge, the greater the bounce. This helps when playing a shot in long grass. However, when playing from a firmer surface, a club with lower bounce will lie tighter to the ground, helping the club face get a better contact on the ball. Selecting the club with the correct bounce for the shot will increase ball contact, giving you better control.