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Distance control is key when it comes to mastering your wedges, and the first step towards perfecting it is to hone your technique at the driving range. Spend ample time there hitting wedge shots from varying distances, ensuring that you maintain solid contact with the center of the clubface. Achieving precise contact will generate the consistent ball flight and pinpoint accuracy that are hallmarks of Tour pros.
Structured Backswing for More Precise Wedge Shots
Mastering the wedge shot lies in the nuanced backswing, explains PGA instructor in a recent YouTube video. The key is to maintain a structured backswing that mirrors the abbreviated overall swing. Aiming for a 50-75% backswing, golfers can maintain control and avoid losing distance or accuracy. This structured approach allows for acceleration on the downswing, generating the crucial spin and control for precise wedge shots. PGA Tour players consistently demonstrate this structured backswing, recognizing its importance for successful wedge play.
Wedging expert Scott Fawcett, 12-time PGA Tour winner, advises that gripping the club too tightly can lead to many different swing issues and ultimately limit a player’s distance control. Fawcett recommends a grip that is firm but not tight, following the “shake hands with the club” technique. When gripping the club too tightly, the tendons and muscles in your hands, wrists, and forearms will become tense, which can lead to a loss of feel for the club and difficulty in releasing it at the right time.
Collin Morikawa made quick work of some of the most difficult greens in golf during the recent Players Championship.
Known for his ability to hit firm, high-spinning wedge shots at will, Morikawa sat down with Golf Digest to share his tips for playing approach shots from 50 yards and in.
“First, open the clubface and make sure to have a lot of loft,” Morikawa says. “Then, make a steep swing and hit slightly behind the ball to generate spin.”
Lastly, he says to make sure you’re not afraid to take chances. “The best players are the ones who are willing to go for things and make some mistakes,” he says. “If you’re always playing it safe, you’re not going to get the best results.”
**Wedge Shots: Optimal Downswing Mechanics**
The proper execution of wedge shots hinges on key principles during the downswing. Optimal technique involves shifting pressure forward, leading into the forward foot. This motion generates a slight upward trajectory of the clubhead, allowing the ball to slide down the clubface. Additionally, maintaining relaxed arms and tension-free elbows promotes smooth motion and allows gravity to assist in the swing. This technique empowers players to execute precise wedge shots with improved flight and control.