Often times when I am playing with members or walking the range at Salem Golf Club, I see players attempting to hit short shots with a number of different clubs. Most of the time the clubs that are being utilized are pitching wedges and nine irons.
Using these clubs is not an incorrect thing to do, but the player is extremely limited in the type of shot that can be played. The shot will be a lower flighted shot that spends less time in the air and more time on the ground. Again, this is okay, if you have enough green to work with, and the green is not “pushed up” or elevated. My suggestion is to put the lower lofted clubs away and reach for the sand wedge. The sand wedge when used properly is one of the most versatile clubs in the bag.
Let’s look at two shots that will make your efforts around the green easier and will hopefully lead to lower scores.
The first shot is a lower-flighted pitch and run. Here are the steps to hit this shot:
- For this shot we set up to the ball with a very narrow stance.
- The ball will be aligned with the inside of your trail foot (right foot for right-handed players).
- Weight will favor your lead foot (approx. 75%)
- Lean the shaft forward so that your hands are ahead of the ball
Finish position:
- The shaft and butt of the club are ahead of your body with the shaft (the butt points to the sky)
- The club head will stay low to the ground through the shot and into the finish position
- Weight remains on your lead foot.
The second shot is higher flight with less run time on the green:
- For this shot we will set up with a narrow but slightly wider stance than the first shot.
- The ball is moved more toward the middle of your stance.
- Weight will slightly favor your lead foot (60%)
- Hands and shaft are in an even position with the ball.
Finish position:
- The shaft and butt of the club are ahead of your body with the shaft (butt of the club points back to you).
- The club head will move higher in the finish, with the clubface pointing towards the sky.
- Weight remains on your lead foot.