Speaking metaphorically, while the heart of one’s game is likely to be putting, I would describe wedge play as the spine. The difference between an excellent player and an average player, is commonly the result of having the ability to get “up and down” with a wedge in hand. Regardless of the lie and conditions, a very good player in most circumstances will get up and down in 2 with a wedge. My definition for myself, of a “nice shot” with a wedge in hand, is generally stopping within 5ft of the hole.

 

Unlike other clubs, with wedges I tend to use the full spectrum of shots available. Particularly with the 60yd wedge (or for many the 50yd wedge), I use the full, punch, flop, pitch, chip, full topspin, full backspin etc. shots on a very regular basis. Before we get started, it is important to discuss equipment.

 

Over the years I have tried a large variety of wedges and balls. For a long time I didn’t carry a 60yd wedge, and preferred the 50yd wedge. While I believe the Nike ball is much better, I am using the Max ball. The wedges and balls used are a personal preference. There is no right or wrong. Rather, the key is making a preference and sticking to it for the long run to grow confidence in your judgment when making a shot.

 

For the purpose of the following recommendations, I am carrying three Cleveland wedges, being the 60yd, 80yd and 100yd, and using the Max balls. While only a small percentage of readers will use the same equipment, there is value in taking ideas and experience from reviewing the below notes. I do however recommend carrying 3 wedges.

 

The objective is to be very confident of getting the ball very close or in, with a wedge in hand. I will break-down each shot in detail in this discussion. To provide an example of the diverse shot selection, I would default to the following from a fairway lie, with no wind, to a flat green:

3-7yds: 60yd wedge, chip 8-17yds: 60yd wedge, pitch 18-21yds: 60yd wedge, flop 22-30yds: 80yd wedge, flop 31-41yds: 60yd wedge, full 42-51yds: 60yd wedge, punch 52-63yds: 60yd wedge, full 64-70yds: 80yd wedge, punch 71-85yds: 80yd wedge, full 86-90yds: 100yd wedge, punch 91-107yds: 100yd wedge, full

 

Chipping 

Commonly used when within 7yds of the hole, and on the fringe, fairway or light rough. I treat this shot in a similar manner as I do a putt, except rather than analyzing the full break within the distance, I factor in the “chip” and tend to focus on the 2/3 before the hole. I leave the spin on the ball at center dot. The objective is to sink the ball. My success rate of sinking the ball with this shot is at about 50%. If on the fringe, and the base/root of the distance to the hole is relatively flat, I tend to add a couple of feet and use my putter. Beyond 20-25% rough, I switch to the pitch shot. If on light rough, such as 20-25%, add 1yd (or 10%) and play the shot per normal.

 

Pitch Shot

My specialty around the green. I use this shot from most lies (except bunkers and steep uphill slopes) around the green from 5yds to 17yds. Let me explain why? I quite often see players using the flop shot. That is a very solid shot selection for getting up and down. However, how often do you hole it? In my books, I am lucky to hole a flop shot in 1/10 attempts. Now, consider these stats for the pitch shot. My intention is not to get it close... that’s a given. I aim to sink it! From the zone of 5-13yds, my success rate is at about 40-50%. From the zone of 13-17yds my success rate is at about 30%. In my books, it is easier than a putt of the same distance. Let me explain why and how.

 

Firstly, when playing this shot I use heavy backspin. The objective is to make the ball fly the entire journey, except for the last 1-2 yards. In rough, use the following maths:

20-25% rough: add 10% to the distance

30-40% rough: add 20% to the distance

40-50% rough: add 30% to the distance

 

Now, on a flat green, from the fairway, for a 10yd pitch, on Championship greens, I will apply 100% backspin, and play it 13yds. You will observe it pops sweetly off the club face, lands about 1yd short and rolls to the hole. While I still switch to putting view first, the focus of the “read” is the last 5ft. I add 3yds with my equipment to factor in the full backspin shot. Note: wind is a very minor, yet important factor to consider in a long pitch shot. If the slope is downhill, I apply full backspin, subtract a little more from the distance, and allow for more run. If the slope is uphill, I apply 80% backspin and play the shot per normal. The 80% backspin (rather than 100%) allows the ball to release a little uphill.

 

Let’s take an example: I’m in 40-50% rough with a 7yd shot to the hole. Easy!

 

1. Switch to putting view and focus on the read for the last 5ft. Align as appropriate.

 

2. Add 30% to the distance to allow for the rough. Let’s call it about 10yds now.

 

3. Add 3yds to allow for full backspin. Let’s call it 13yds.

 

4. Sink the shot.

 

Notes: 1. From 7yds out, I would neglect the wind, however if at St. Andys or RSG and faced with a pitch beyond 12yds, I allow for a minor deviation in accordance with the wind.

 

2. For pitch shots up to 13yds, the above is quite effective, however be cautious of long pitch shots in the zone of 15-17yds. The ball comes off the club face “hot”. It pops out quite strong. The shot is just as effective, it does however take a lot of practice to gain full confidence with distance control.

 

Flop Shot

I love this shot. In my books, possibly the safest shot in the game. Within 30yds, it would seem this shot provides for a simple up and down in most instances. With the 60yd wedge, or the 20yd flop, if one applies full backspin, it seems to stop on a dime at around 19yds.

 

Providing some release will stretch it to 21yds. Remember, a flop shot by nature moves right, so start the shot direction a little to the left. With the 80yd wedge, or the 29yd flop, the shot is just as accurate and powerful in its use. The same concept applies.

 

Full backspin will get a distance of about 28yds, and providing some release can safely make it travel to 30yds. Again, start the shot aiming a couple of yards left, as it will deviate to the right.

 

Note: Wind is a significant factor in a flop shot. A flop shot by nature rockets steeply upwards and lands softly. While floating in the air, the wind will move it around. The flop shot is just as accurate from the rough and bunkers. The key to remember is that there needs to be allowance for some run, particularly the more challenging the lie, and the further the distance.

 

As a guideline, when playing the flop shot to a flat green, try the following from the rough:

20-25% rough: add 10% to the distance

30-40% rough: add 20% to the distance

40-50% rough: add 30% to the distance