SMART PRACTICE |
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WEDGEDISTANCES It is no coincidence that all the top players possess top-class wedge games , routinely turning bogeys into pars and pars into birdies . But where they really excel is in distance control . Most golfers can hit a wedge fairly straight , but getting it pin-high is much trickier . Getting on top of this is less about technique and more about understanding and using the wedges in your set . Here is a three-step practice routine that will help you ...
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1 STEP 1 THREE EASY DISTANCES When it comes to distance control with wedges , many coaches advocate a ‘ clockface ’. My approach is easier to understand and execute . Begin by taking your PW and 10 balls . For each , make what you might call your ‘ typical wedge swing ’. That means : A regular set-up , with ball position , shaft lean and weight distribution remaining constant .
A uniform swing length , for most players around a three-quarter swing .
A consistent speed .
Keep all these elements consistent and I ’ d hope those 10 balls should land in the same area . Note the length . Now repeat the drill with your gap and sand wedge . You ’ ll end up with another two ‘ standard ’ shot lengths , with 10-15 yards between them .
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2 STEP 2 THREE SHORTER SWINGS We are now going to create three more ‘ stock ’ distances by changing as little as possible . Again , take your wedge and 10 balls . But this time alter your set-up . Grip down to the bottom of the rubber .
Add a little more spine bend and knee flex .
Narrow your stance .
Hit your 10 balls from this new stance . Aim to keep the same swing speed and length , though the swing will likely be slightly shorter . You should find this new ‘ matrix ’ of distances is around 5-10 yards shorter than your first set . So you have now created six distances without having to think about swing length or tempo . Most golfers will find this spread of yardages covers everything from around 65-120 yards .
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3 STEP 3 THE RULE OF THREE Of course you also need a sharp wedge game for shots from 25-60 yards . You can get some funny distances within this range , but a great way to train for them is by ‘ framing ’ the yardage . Most ranges have a 50-yard marker . Make this your target yardage . Hit the first shot deliberately past it – go for 55 yards .
Hit the second shot deliberately short of it – this time 45 yards .
Split th0.04 fference for the third shot .
This little three-shot drill keeps your focus on your target , not your action . Select a variety of targets inside 60 yards and repeat the process – long , short , bang on . You ’ ll quickly generate a feel for how to send the ball your chosen distance , from 25 yards right up to 120 .
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YOUR COACH |
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GARETH JOHNSTON PGA Professional and Director of Golf at Calcot Park , Berkshire . |