W L
GOLF
GOLF IS BACK
BY TOM ATKINSON , PGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL
So we ’ re all back in the swing of things now , and the courses are fast and fiery . Great conditions for golf !
This month I ’ m going to introduce you to a shot that I get asked a lot about . The low flying high spinning wedge shot . We ’ ve all seen it on TV , the ball looks like it ’ s destined for the back of the green at best , but then almost immediately after the second bounce , puts the breaks on .
This is a high tariff shot , so check these points before you try it :
• Are you far enough from the green ? Anything closer than about 40 yards and you won ’ t generate the speed to produce spin
• Do you have a good lie in the fairway ? Any mud on the ball or grass between the ball and the clubface will reduce the friction you need
• Is the pin far enough on the green , this will only work for middle and back flags
The setup is crucial , the ball needs to be slightly behind the middle of your stance , but don ’ t employ too much shaft lean , you want a shallower angle of attack . Your weight should favour your front foot ( left foot for a right hander ) by 60 %/ 40 %.
The swing comes next . More body less wrists is key . Use the trunk to propel the club back and through , any under rotation of the chest through the ball will lead you to flip and flick at the ball causing it to fly too high , if you don ’ t knife it ! The swing length should be worked out through feel and feedback but as a general rule , low shot low follow through and vice versa for a high shot .
Ok so we ’ ve ticked these boxes , next , to the shot . You will need one of your mid wedges , 56-52 degrees of loft . Too much loft and it will go too high , too little loft and you won ’ t generate the spin .
Good luck , go and try it , what ’ s the worst that can happen !
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