This week’s column is going to focus on the short game. In particular, the use of the sandwedge around the green. I have noticed a common theme among beginners and higher handicappers. In fact, I have also seen this trend with good players, although certainly not as often. I’m talking about the reluctance to use the sand wedge around the green… opting for the less lofted pitching wedge or even a nine iron. Forget about seeing anyone using the 60 degree wedge, if they own one. Many of you out there know exactly what I’m talking about.
I have seen so many people trying to chip with a pitching wedge over a bunker to a tight pin or 20 to 30 yards out to a close pin when a sand or 60 degree wedge is the only club that;s got a chance to get it close without some luck. When I point out, in these instances, that they should use a more lofted club I get a lot of resistance and rationalization for their choice. The stock answer is usually…”I prefer my pitching wedge” a close second is “I can’t use a sand wedge for that shot”.
So, why the reluctance and why is it so important to use the sand wedge?
Firstly, the reluctance or perhaps the better choice of words “fear” to use the sand wedge is the loft scares people. It is much easier and safer to hit the ball low and run it than throw it up in the air. That is why players under pressure are advised to use this method or even putt if they are not fully confident. We saw lots of that at the British Open last week and if you missed it or were lucky to have watched, you would have witnessed one of the great all time final rounds in a major by two players…ever! Phil showed us how a sand wedge around a green should be played. However, you hear this commentary all the time on TV with the PGA tour when a player is playing a pressure chip and how scary a lofted club in that situation might be. But sometimes that is your only or best option. Another reason to not use a sand wedge is the lie. If you are on hard pan, trying to hit a high shot is difficult. It is so easy to have the club “bounce” into the ball and scull it over the green. Under these circumstances, yes, go to the less lofted club.
But I see the reluctance from perfect lies and what is surely a non pressure situation. Why? No confidence… from never learning the shot! Throwing the ball up in the air requires a bigger swing and there is a fear that this big swing, from in so close, will go over the green. The common error when trying the shot is to decelerate, from this big swing and fear, and ultimately leave it short or “chunk it” as Johnny Miller would say. It is so easy to abandon this shot all together and go to the pitching wedge because of the fear of failure.
Fact is, this shot isn’t as hard as most people think and I have had a lot of success teaching it to my students. It just requires the proper technique and practice to develop the confidence to pull it off.
You MUST learn this shot if you want to lower your score. There are just too many shots during the round that call for it. The technique is also the essence of playing a proper bunker shot.
How do we play the shot?
1. Play the ball forward, open up your stance and relax your shoulder and arm muscles.
2. Take the club back with an early and full cocking of the wrists. Again, the importance of the wrists!
3. Hit down on the ball taking a divot and let the loft of the club lift the ball. Don’t try to scoop it.
4. Full finish position with club over the left shoulder. Distance of the shot will determine the length of the backswing and finish.
5. Practice. Confidence will come from your successes in practice!
Learn this shot and you WILL lower your scores and play YOUR best golf!
