Wedge play
Common Wedge Play Mistakes and Simple Fixes
Clean up the habits that waste strokes from scoring range.
The distance-control problem
Many wedge misses come from indecision: one club, too much backswing, and a last-second slowdown. Others come from aiming at the flag when the slope, lie, and green speed call for a safer landing spot.
| Mistake | Result | Better choice |
|---|---|---|
| Decelerating | Fat shots or weak floaters | Shorter backswing, turn through |
| Chasing spin | Ball lands too far or checks unpredictably | Control carry first |
| Ignoring lie | Wrong launch and rollout | Read grass and turf before club |
| Flag hunting | Short-sided misses | Land on the fat side when needed |
Fix the backswing length
Use three reference swings: lead arm parallel to the ground, hands hip high, and a small chest-driven pitch. Pair each with a smooth finish. Write down carry numbers after clean strikes, not after the one perfect ball.
Around the green
Choose the lowest-lofted club that comfortably carries the trouble and lands on the green. When there is no green to work with, then loft becomes the tool.