Controlling distance with your Wedges
By Tim Mahoney
Golf is a unique activity where you have the combination of distance, direction and trajectory control of the golf ball. In the short game the ability to score is directly related to controlling the distance of the golf ball. Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler have the ability to control the distance of their wedges within 95% of the required goal. For an example, on a 30 yard shot, Spieth has the control of his wedges to hit the ball 28.5 yards, a differential of 1.5 yards in total distance.
Distance is controlled by club choice, length of club at address, length of swing, elevation of the shot, solidness of the strike and the speed of motion. All golfers should have a minimum of 3 wedges with the lofts of 48, 52 and 56 degrees of loft. All wedges should have a differential of 4 degrees of separation. As you work with the wedges identify the distance of ½, ¾ and full swing.
Length of club at address will have a direct impact on the speed of the motion throughout. Golfers should attempt to grip down the shaft, ½ of a grip and a full grip. Combine this with different length of swings as well. A shortened club will work with a shortened swing and a long club will work with a long swing. All wedge swings should be balanced or symmetrical on both sides of the motion. A partial backswing should match a partial forward swing. The golf swing needs to be balanced in order to control speed and distance.
A mirrored impact position and address, of the will assist with controlling the loft of the club. The impact position should be identical to the starting position. Unlike the full swing where the shaft needs to be forward leaned for speed in pitching the shafts needs to match.
Solidness of the strike is the effect of the angle or plane of the swing. A vertical swing motion will produce a toe hit and conversely a horizontal or flat swing will produce a heel hit or a shank. The club must be swung on the desired angle or right angle to your spine.
Distance control in the short game is the effect of the club, speed, length of swing and solidness of the hit. Control these variables and you to will pitch like Spieth.
Grip
Golf Ball curvature is the effect of a misaligned club face at impact. Your club face is controlled by wrist cock, arm rotation and release. All three of these aspects is directly controlled by the hold or individual grip of the club. The quickest and simply the easiest means of improving your game is by perfecting your grip. A perfect grip will improve an imperfect swing plane, an imperfect swing path and imperfect impact.
Utilizing a gripping procedure will allow you to position your hands on the club consistently every time you swing the golf club.
Step 1- allow your arms to hang freely by your sides as you position the club under the heel pad of your left hand with the club planed and the club face square.
Step 2-elevate the club and establish the width of the swing. With the club in front of you position your right hand on the club. Connecting the hands by placing your life line on top of the thumb.
Grip check points include with the left hand include: heel pad on top, thumb to the right of center and no gap between the thumb and the base of the hand. Right hand check points include: life line covers the thumbs, trigger finger to the side of the grip and no gap. The golfer has three options to connect the hands: overlap grips allows for more wrist cock, an interlocking allows for more direction control and a baseball grip allows for a higher trajectory.
Perfect your grip and perfect your game. The only contact you have with the club is your grip. A perfect hold will perfect your ball flight.