Wedge play
The Fundamentals of Wedge Play
Control carry, height, and landing spot instead of guessing from inside full-swing range.
Wedges are precision clubs
Inside full-wedge distance, the question is rarely “How hard can I hit it?” It is “Which flight lands in the right spot and stops in the right window?” A stock sand wedge might fly 90 yards, but the scoring shots are often 35, 50, and 70 yards with different trajectories.
Build a wedge system
- Know carry numbers: full, three-quarter, half, and small pitch.
- Match bounce to turf: more bounce helps in soft sand or fluffy lies; less can help from tight turf.
- Pick a landing spot: especially around the green.
- Control speed through impact: short backswing with committed rotation beats a long swing that slows down.
Good wedge thought: Land it on a spot, not somewhere near the flag.
Flight before spin
Spin is useful, but predictable height and carry come first. A lower flight that lands short and releases may be better than a high shot that needs perfect contact.