Wedge Practice #1
Building the Skill of Strike
Today’s focus is on wedge strike skill.
Wedges fall somewhere between short and and full swing. Typically, once we reach 40-50 yards, we need a swing bigger than a pitching swing but smaller than a full swing. I am a firm believer that we rarely want to take a full swing with a short iron/wedge as those clubs are primarily about precision. Using a controlled, 3/4 swing is great not only for dialing in distance control, but also dispersion.
There is no benefit to hit BOMBS off the tee then hitting our wedges off the forehead with a screaming trajectory over the green or taking a chunk out of the ground that makes superintendents cry. For our wedges to be competent, we must be confident in our ability to strike them cleanly with a variety of swing lengths and speed. This practice session is focused on that skill.
Let’s get to it.
Technical: Strike Gate Station, 10-15 minutes
In the video below, Cameron McCormick demonstrates an excellent practice station for working on wedge/iron strike. I recommend spending 10-15 minutes on this station to develop the feel for striking the ground in the correct spot with a functional amount of shaft lean.
Random: 50 yards/70 yards/90 yards, 10-15 minutes
Pick your 3 most lofted wedges for this exercise. With each club, we will attempt to hit a shot cleanly that flies 50 yards, then another at 70 yards, and lastly one at 90 yards.
3 shots per wedge for 9 shots total in each round. Utilize the gate station from above during this drill and continue focusing on clean strikes.
Performance: 18 Shots at GIR, 10 minutes
Imagine we’ve hit every fairway on par 4s, perfect layups on par 5s, and all short par 3s. We have 18 chances to hit the green in regulation with wedges in hand.
Select yardages ranging from 50 yards to 110 yards. Utilizing your 3-4 most lofted wedges, alternate clubs hitting shots to a selected yardage.
We need two criteria to be met for us to get a point.
We must strike the ball decently.
We must carry the ball roughly 10-15 yards short or long of our intended target. Most greens are roughly 25-30 yards deep and if we can hit the green, we are in business.
Track each shot and count how many are successful. Before you begin, set a goal that you feel is challenging. That might be 5/18. It might 10/18. Adjust the goal based off your current skill level.
If successful, determine some type of reward. It could be a celebration, a treat, a beer, etc.
However, if not successful, there are consequences. Some of my favorites are pushups, squats, leaving money at the practice area for someone to find, leaving a new golf ball for someone to find, etc.
Practice like this is where we get the skills to transfer to course like conditions. The shots matter and there are consequences.
Let’s get better and as always,
Enjoy the odyssey!
-Nick