Pro Tip: How to Hit Solid Wedge Shots and Start Shooting Lower Scores

Getting your wedge golf ball closest to the hole from inside 100 yards like Dustin Johnson IS POSSIBLE. 

Okay, so how? You might ask. 

Take your wedge-game practice seriously, that’s the key. While you probably can’t hit a 330-yard drive like these great players, you can hit solid wedge shots like them from time to time. While you focus on improving your drives and power shots, dedicate time to improve your wedge play. A good short game makes off-days pretty great – what’s better than going home content after knocking a few strokes off of your score with your wedges, right? 

In a nutshell, golf wedges are your allies on chips, pitches, full and lob shots, and also when you’re trying to escape bunkers. They help create birdies and even save you pars. The problem is, golfers often overlook that short game accounts for more than 50% of their shots in a golf round. Some are not hitting their approach shots well, ignoring unseen opportunities of achieving good numbers on their scorecards.  And then there are some who don’t give their wedges the attention they deserve. You can see the same types of wedges in their bags or a set that does not fit their respective swings.

 It’s a good thing wedge play can be improved just like any aspect of a golf game. Usually, focusing on improving your wedge shots starts with fixing or upgrading your equipment. If you’re up for new sticks to change your game in Tulsa OR, at least, getting your current favorite tuned up, the right help is around. You can begin searching “golf shop near me”, or just drive to Tour Quality Golf and start playing your wedge play like a pro! 

Don’t Abandon Your Short Game

How’s your game? It sounds like a hard truth, but most golfers, no matter how much time they spend with their drivers, will hit impressive shots like Tiger Woods with regularity. But you can always shift philosophy. Any golfer can win at the short game with the right club and practice! 

Once you understand what your short game is missing, it’s easy to make huge strides in your play. Working on your pitch shots may not be as thrilling as driving shots off the tee, but you’re going to see dramatic improvement if you also focus on your short game.  

Head to your favorite golf shop in Tulsa and dial in your wedges! 

5 Ways to Hit Incredible Wedge Shots 

Contrary to popular belief, tour professionals aren’t the only ones capable of delivering pure wedge shots. You can too!  

Here are five ways to work on your wedge shots: 

• Find the right set up

The right stance, grip, weight, etc., are essential for excellent, controlled release and a perfect wedge shot. If you don’t want to hit your wedge shots higher than necessary, set up a narrow stance and then lower your shot’s trajectory. This will help you stay in control and deliver solid contact for predictable spin and ball flight. 

• Optimize your ball position

To achieve accuracy on your wedge shots, always make sure that your golf ball is evenly between your feet. This center ball alignment will help you get more backspin. This position also allows a balanced swing where your weight doesn’t shift to one direction or another. 

• Focus on shaping your swing motion

Learn from American golf instructor Butch Harmon who said, “Do not baby your wedge shots”.  To achieve natural swings, let your club and body flow back and through. You can also see good results by keeping a shorter backswing and maintaining your speed all the way to finish. 

• Practice from different lies

Most of your wedge shots will occur in a bunker or from a rough, so it’s essential that you get the hang of each situation. Practice bunker shots. Practice shooting from the rough. These will test your club’s feel and performance in different lies. 

• Choose the right wedges

The right wedges can save you shots. With proper loft and bounce combinations, the game starts to feel less complicated. Custom wedge fitters will help ensure everything is dialed in for your swing. 

Remember that everything that occurs inside the 100 yards has a massive impact on the final numbers you for that day. Start improving your wedge play by getting the right help and the right equipment. Tune up your wedges or shop for new ones today, here at Tulsa’s trusted golf store, Tour Quality Golf.  

Improve Your Wedge Game: Schedule a lesson with our golf pros and master your wedge shots today!

Understanding the Importance of Wedges

Wedges are essential clubs in your golf bag, designed for shots that require high accuracy and control over short distances. Typically, wedges are used for approach shots to the green, bunker shots, and various short game scenarios. The key types of wedges include:

1. Pitching Wedge (PW): Generally has a loft between 44-48 degrees. It’s used for full shots from the fairway, as well as for pitch shots around the green.
2. Gap Wedge (GW): Also known as the approach or utility wedge, it fills the gap between the pitching wedge and sand wedge, with a loft between 50-54 degrees.
3. Sand Wedge (SW): Typically has a loft between 54-58 degrees, ideal for bunker shots and high-lofted shots around the green.
4. Lob Wedge (LW): With a loft between 58-64 degrees, this wedge is perfect for high, soft shots that need to stop quickly on the green.

Lower Your Scores: Sign up for our wedge shot clinic and start seeing immediate improvements on the course.

Fundamentals of Solid Wedge Shots

To hit solid wedge shots, you need to focus on several key fundamentals: setup, stance, grip, and swing technique.

1. Setup and Stance

A proper setup and stance are critical for hitting consistent wedge shots. Here’s how to get it right:

• Ball Position: For most wedge shots, the ball should be positioned in the center of your stance. This helps ensure a downward strike on the ball, creating the necessary spin and trajectory.
• Stance Width: Your feet should be closer together than for a full swing, roughly shoulder-width apart. A narrower stance helps with balance and control.
• Weight Distribution: Distribute your weight slightly more on your front foot (about 60-70%). This promotes a descending blow and helps you avoid hitting the ball thin or fat.
• Alignment: Align your body parallel to the target line. For open-face wedge shots, you may need to adjust your stance slightly open.

2. Grip

The grip on a wedge shot should be firm but not too tight. Here’s what to focus on:

• Grip Pressure: Maintain a light to moderate grip pressure to allow for better feel and control. Gripping too tightly can lead to tension and inconsistent shots.
• Hand Position: Your hands should be slightly ahead of the ball at address. This helps promote a descending strike and proper loft at impact.

3. Swing Technique

The swing technique for wedge shots differs from full swings. Focus on the following aspects:

• Backswing: Keep your backswing shorter and more controlled. A shorter backswing helps with accuracy and prevents overswinging.
• Follow-Through: Ensure a smooth and controlled follow-through. Your follow-through should mirror your backswing length, maintaining balance throughout.
• Tempo: Maintain a smooth and steady tempo. Avoid rushing the shot; a consistent tempo helps with accuracy and control.
• Clubface Control: Focus on keeping the clubface square to your target at impact. This promotes consistent contact and accurate shots.

Get Expert Advice: Book a fitting session to ensure your wedges are tailored to your game.

Types of Wedge Shots

Understanding the different types of wedge shots and when to use them is essential for lowering your scores. Here are some common wedge shots and how to execute them:

1. Pitch Shot

A pitch shot is used for distances typically ranging from 20 to 80 yards. It requires a higher trajectory and softer landing. Here’s how to hit a pitch shot:

• Setup: Position the ball in the center of your stance. Use a slightly open stance for higher shots.
• Swing: Take a three-quarter backswing and follow through with a smooth, controlled motion. Focus on hitting down on the ball to create spin and a higher trajectory.
• Club Selection: Use your pitching wedge or gap wedge for pitch shots.

2. Chip Shot

A chip shot is used for shorter distances around the green, usually from the fringe or rough. It requires a lower trajectory and more roll. Here’s how to hit a chip shot:

• Setup: Position the ball back in your stance, closer to your back foot. This helps promote a downward strike and lower trajectory.
• Swing: Use a putting-like motion with minimal wrist action. Keep the backswing and follow-through short and controlled.
• Club Selection: Use your sand wedge or lob wedge for chip shots.

3. Bunker Shot

Bunker shots require a different technique to escape the sand and land softly on the green. Here’s how to hit a bunker shot:

• Setup: Open your stance and clubface. Position the ball slightly forward in your stance, closer to your front foot.
• Swing: Focus on hitting the sand first, about 1-2 inches behind the ball. Use a full, aggressive swing to ensure the ball gets out of the bunker.
• Club Selection: Use your sand wedge or lob wedge for bunker shots.

4. Flop Shot

A flop shot is used for high, soft shots that need to stop quickly on the green, typically over an obstacle. Here’s how to hit a flop shot:

• Setup: Open your stance and clubface wide. Position the ball forward in your stance.
• Swing: Take a steep backswing and follow through fully, allowing the clubface to slide under the ball. Use a wristy, flicking motion to create height and spin.
• Club Selection: Use your lob wedge for flop shots.

Perfect Your Short Game: Join our short game practice sessions and hit more solid wedge shots.

Practice Drills for Better Wedge Shots

Practicing specific drills can help you develop consistency and confidence in your wedge shots. Here are some effective practice drills:

1. Clock Drill

The clock drill helps with distance control and consistency. Here’s how to do it:

• Setup: Place balls at various distances from the hole (e.g., 10, 20, 30, 40 yards).
• Swing Length: Use the clock face analogy to vary your swing length. For example, a 7 o’clock to 5 o’clock swing for shorter shots and a 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock swing for longer shots.
• Goal: Focus on hitting each ball to the designated distance with the appropriate swing length.

2. Alignment Stick Drill

The alignment stick drill helps with clubface control and proper alignment. Here’s how to do it:

• Setup: Place an alignment stick on the ground along your target line.
• Swing: Practice hitting wedge shots while ensuring the clubface stays square to the alignment stick throughout the swing.
• Goal: Develop a consistent swing path and clubface control.

3. Impact Drill

The impact drill helps with achieving solid contact and a downward strike. Here’s how to do it:

• Setup: Place a towel or headcover a few inches behind the ball.
• Swing: Focus on hitting the ball without touching the towel or headcover. This promotes a downward strike and solid contact.
• Goal: Develop a consistent downward strike and avoid hitting behind the ball.

4. Bunker Practice Drill

The bunker practice drill helps with developing confidence and technique in bunker shots. Here’s how to do it:

• Setup: Draw a line in the sand 1-2 inches behind the ball.
• Swing: Practice hitting the sand along the line, ensuring you take a full, aggressive swing.
• Goal: Develop a consistent technique for escaping bunkers.

Achieve Consistency: Enroll in our golf lessons to refine your wedge technique and lower your scores.

Course Management with Wedges

Effective course management is essential for lowering your scores with wedge shots. Here are some tips for better course management:

1. Know Your Distances

Understanding the distances you can hit with each wedge is crucial for effective course management. Spend time on the range or use a launch monitor to determine your average distances for each wedge.

2. Play to Your Strengths

Identify your strengths and weaknesses with wedge shots and plan your approach accordingly. If you’re more comfortable with a certain type of wedge shot, aim to set yourself up for those scenarios on the course.

3. Avoid Short-Siding Yourself

Short-siding occurs when you miss the green on the side with the least amount of green to work with. This leaves you with a difficult up-and-down. Aim for the center of the green or the side with the most green to work with to avoid short-siding.

4. Practice Different Lies

Golf courses present a variety of lies, from tight fairway lies to thick rough and bunkers. Practice hitting wedge shots from different lies to develop confidence and versatility in your short game.

Take Control of Your Game: Schedule a private lesson focused on wedge shots with our experienced instructors.

Mental Approach to Wedge Shots

A strong mental approach is vital for executing solid wedge shots. Here’s how to develop a positive mental approach:

1. Visualization

Visualize the shot you want to hit before stepping up to the ball. Picture the trajectory, landing spot, and roll-out. This helps create a clear mental image and boosts confidence.

2. Stay Positive

Maintain a positive mindset, even after a bad shot. Dwelling on mistakes can affect your confidence and future shots. Focus on the next shot and stay committed to your routine.

3. Trust Your Swing

Trust the work you’ve put in during practice and trust your swing. Overthinking can lead to tension and poor execution. Stick to your routine and trust your technique.

Unlock Your Potential: Attend our upcoming wedge shot workshop and learn from the best.

Equipment Considerations

Choosing the right equipment can significantly impact your wedge shots. Here are some equipment considerations:

1. Wedge Selection

Select wedges that fit your game and swing style. Consider the loft, bounce, and grind options available. Consult with a professional fitter to ensure you have the right wedges for your game.

2. Shaft Flex

The shaft flex of your wedges should match your swing speed and style. A professional fitting can help determine the appropriate shaft flex for your wedges.

3. Grip Size

Ensure your grips are the right size and in good condition. Worn or incorrect grips can affect your control and feel. Replace grips regularly to maintain optimal performance.

Master the Short Game: Reserve your spot in our short game training program and start shooting lower scores.

Conclusion

Mastering wedge shots is essential for lowering your scores and improving your overall golf game. By focusing on the fundamentals, practicing specific drills, and maintaining a strong mental approach, you can develop consistency and confidence with your wedges. Effective course management and proper equipment selection further enhance your ability to hit solid wedge shots.

Remember, practice and patience are key. Dedicate time to working on your wedge game, and you’ll see significant improvements on the course. Start incorporating these tips and techniques into your practice routine, and you’ll be on your way to shooting lower scores and enjoying the game of golf even more.

Experience the Tour Quality Difference

At Tour Quality Golf, we’re dedicated to helping golfers at every stage of their journey. It is to unlock their full potential on the course. Our state-of-the-art indoor golf simulation facility provides the perfect environment.

Ready to take your golf game to the next level? Contact us today at (918) 221-7096 or visit our website to book a session. Your journey to better golf starts here.