10 Tips to fix your Wedge Game in Golf
Wedge shots are great. They offer you the best chance of hitting the ball and getting it as close as possible to the hole. Most amateur players know the fundamentals of wedge play. However, most still get to hit poor shots, mostly because it becomes rather difficult for players to control the ball elevation and the distance the ball goes. Most are aware that they have to control the distance, but how to control the same is what poses a challenge. If you have a challenge with your wedge game and you want to fix it here are some tips by RunRex you can follow.
1. Getting into the right setup position
When hitting a wedge shot, get into a slightly open stance and favor your front foot. Wedge shots make the angles steeper, and the swings shorter. You can use the buttons on your shirt to get you standing in the right manner. Make sure your shirt buttons lie in front of the golf ball. It will help you attain the right angle and make your swing more efficient.
2. Know your target distance
The knowledge of your target range when doing your practice helps you understand the correlation that exists between your swings and the distances the ball covers. The best range to use for practice is between 20 yards and 130 yards. Identify your best distances and your worst. After figuring that out, shift your focus on acceleration and clean contact.
3. Pick the right club and ball to use
Every golf club in the bag has its purpose. There are four wedge clubs to choose from; A-wedge, sand wedge, pitching wedge and lob wedge. Depending on the spot you are taking the wedge shot from, be sure to select the right wedge club to use. The golf ball you use will, also, affect your wedge game. Get to know the ball that will offer you the best spin, trajectory, and distance. You can use your preferred driver and your wedges to determine the best ball for you.
4. Drive the ball low
Your wedge game is all a matter of accuracy. You want to get the ball as close as possible to the hole. The key to achieving this while improving the accuracy of your shot is by driving the ball low. The higher the ball’s trajectory, the more your accuracy reduces. Also, you might not achieve the desired distance and end up taking extra shots. Maintain the ball as low as possible and give it just enough spin.
5. A short backswing
Get a nice compact backswing and setup your weight on your left foot. One of the major mistakes most golfers do when taking wedge shots is overturning and shifting of their back foot. It, in turn, results in their wedge swing growing big, long and loose. What you should focus on achieving, however, is a short swing that is compact and without much wrist set. Take your hands to about the 9 o’clock position and then back down. Increasing the weight on your left foot is an excellent way to shorten your backswing.
6. Control your swing release
Your wedge shot should be fantastic and controlled. Have a short backswing with little wrist set and a follow through the looks just like it. Be smooth and easy with the follow through because a long and loose follow through will create more spin on the ball which will make it difficult for you to control its trajectory.
7. Control your leg activity
One thing you can easily observe from some of the most notable players when they are hitting their wedge shots is that their legs are always dead. The swing in wedge shots is short hence not much leg action is needed. That is why you need to setup correctly. With a proper stance that is slightly open, you won’t need any legwork.
8. Your clubface
If you are not prepared for an open club face when you take a shot, prepare for a disaster. To properly align the club head, you should direct your focus to the leading edge rather than the toe. The leading edge should cut across the imaginary line extending from the target through the golf ball. Most players play with an open face without even noticing it.
9. Getting your body is shape
You need to get your body in shape even for this part of the game where you are hitting the ball over shorter distances. Visiting the gym and doing constant practice will help improve your strength, body balance, and your stamina. Work on improving your body. It is advisable to work out under the guidance of a fitness specialist.
10. Constant practice
To fix your wedge game and be a pro, practice and work on improving your wedge game as frequently as possible. Always look to incorporate the tips and tricks you have learned in every practice session you attend. The more you spend time on the golf course practicing, the more your skills improve. The reverse is, also, true. Always have the thirst and the desire to improve your game.