Wedges And Golf Clubs

Two wedges will get the job done for most beginners. A pitching wedge will allow you to play not only the shots that the name suggests but also little chips from around the green.

With a sand wedge you can play bunker shots, as the name of the club suggests, but this club can also be used close to the green for flop shots where you need to land the ball softly on the putting surface. A third wedge, the lob wedge, can be useful for the golfers who would rather hit a full shot as often as possible.

Key Points for accurate wedge shots

1. When hitting a wedge shot, make sure that your stance is fairly narrow. It is perfectly acceptable to aim your feet a fraction left of the target to give yourself room to swing the club through on impact.

2. The shorter length of the shaft means that it is unlikely that you will be able to reach the horizontal with a pitching wedge. But when accuracy is more important than power, there is no need.

3. Just because you are playing a fairly short range shot, it does not mean you should swing slowly through the ball. Swing at your normal speed and commit fully to releasing the club, just as you would with a long iron.

4. Many amateur golfers allow their weight to fall on to their back foot through impact in an attempt to scoop the ball into the air. Let the loft on the club face do the work and make sure that you finish with your weight on your front foot.

Key Points To Remember

- Transfer weight on to your left side as you start down

- Start downswing with your left hip

- Do not start the stroke with your right shoulder or arms

- Hold your wrist hinge on way down

- At point of impact, hips are open to target, weight is on left and left knee is straight

- Release powerfully through impact and extending arms

- Make a full balanced finish.