2- - 40 yards chips..how do you play them?

Loire

I was playing with two 1 handicappers at the weekend and if they missed the green (or were short on a par 5) they were able to routinely hit a chip that would hop once or twice and check close to the hole. Now, I'm not saying that a few tips on an intenet forum can produce these results for me, but I was wondering if the more accomplished golfers here would perhaps outline the setup and club they use and the shot itself. I generally reach for the 60 degree here as it puts me on the green, but I'm usually outside 8-10 feet leaving me a 2 putts every time. As the mornings are getting earlier I would like to master this shot in the coming months and if not master it be pretty decent at it all the same. I've seen better players playing this shot off their front foot but conventional wisdom is from the middel/back.

By the way, I'm referring to shots from the fairway (tight lie).

Much appreciated!
Loire.

link_2007

Very, very poorly.

Redzah

Loire wrote: »

I was playing with two 1 handicappers at the weekend and if they missed the green (or were short on a par 5) they were able to routinely hit a chip that would hop once or twice and check close to the hole. Now, I'm not saying that a few tips on an intenet forum can produce these results for me, but I was wondering if the more accomplished golfers here would perhaps outline the setup and club they use and the shot itself. I generally reach for the 60 degree here as it puts me on the green, but I'm usually outside 8-10 feet leaving me a 2 putts every time. As the mornings are getting earlier I would like to master this shot in the coming months and if not master it be pretty decent at it all the same. I've seen better players playing this shot off their front foot but conventional wisdom is from the middel/back.

By the way, I'm referring to shots from the fairway (tight lie).

Much appreciated!
Loire.

A difficult shot to master but here's how i play it;

60 Deg wedge (anything from 56 to 60 will do)
Middle of stance
Open stance
Slightly open club face
Decending blow through the ball
Firm wrists are needed at impact and should be ahead of the club at impact

It goes without saying that the quality of the ball and grooves of the club also helps enormously (pro v1 or alternative competitor ball)

stockdam

Lots and lots of practice. This is the shot that separates the good player from the poor player. I've seen some very average players who are magicians round the green and as such rarely have a very bad round.

I know one 8 handicapper who has a bad back and can barely reach long par 4s but from 100 yards in he hits a low wedge shot that bites on the 2nd bounce. I also know a 5 handicapper who rarely hits greens in regulation but nearly always gets up and down. Neither are scratch golfers but if the had the longer games to match their short games then they would be very competent golfers.

I'd suggest that this shot can knock off 6 to 9 shots per round compared to a player who "never" gets up and down in two.

Loire

stockdam wrote: »

Lots and lots of practice. This is the shot that separates the good player from the poor player. I've seen some very average players who are magicians round the green and as such rarely have a very bad round.

I know one 8 handicapper who has a bad back and can barely reach long par 4s but from 100 yards in he hits a low wedge shot that bites on the 2nd bounce. I also know a 5 handicapper who rarely hits greens in regulation but nearly always gets up and down. Neither are scratch golfers but if the had the longer games to match their short games then they would be very competent golfers.

I'd suggest that this shot can knock off 6 to 9 shots per round compared to a player who "never" gets up and down in two.

I agree...do you agree with Redzah (no offence Redzah!) on set up / execution?

hades

This is where i have all my issues aswell and as the pro's all say, spend around 75% of your practice time from 100 yards in.

I picked up a copy of Mickelsons Secrets of the Short Game, and i try to practice a few of those routines twice a week. Spending around 1 1/2 to 2 hours in total each time. Since i have started training specifically in this area i'm seeing a major improvement in my scores.

foxyboxer

Loire wrote: »

I was playing with two 1 handicappers at the weekend and if they missed the green (or were short on a par 5) they were able to routinely hit a chip that would hop once or twice and check close to the hole. Now, I'm not saying that a few tips on an intenet forum can produce these results for me, but I was wondering if the more accomplished golfers here would perhaps outline the setup and club they use and the shot itself. I generally reach for the 60 degree here as it puts me on the green, but I'm usually outside 8-10 feet leaving me a 2 putts every time. As the mornings are getting earlier I would like to master this shot in the coming months and if not master it be pretty decent at it all the same. I've seen better players playing this shot off their front foot but conventional wisdom is from the middel/back.

By the way, I'm referring to shots from the fairway (tight lie).

Much appreciated!
Loire.

Why not ask them how they do it?

Redzah

Loire wrote: »

I agree...do you agree with Redzah (no offence Redzah!) on set up / execution?

None taken Loire, as a 2 handicap i'm happy enough with this element of my game. However, this can be played differently by different players. One thing i did not mention is a slight out to in swing plane (fade swing) is used in my method.

No matter what method is used, practice is obviously key to mastering this shot.

irish bloke

Loire wrote: »

I was playing with two 1 handicappers at the weekend and if they missed the green (or were short on a par 5) they were able to routinely hit a chip that would hop once or twice and check close to the hole. Now, I'm not saying that a few tips on an intenet forum can produce these results for me, but I was wondering if the more accomplished golfers here would perhaps outline the setup and club they use and the shot itself. I generally reach for the 60 degree here as it puts me on the green, but I'm usually outside 8-10 feet leaving me a 2 putts every time. As the mornings are getting earlier I would like to master this shot in the coming months and if not master it be pretty decent at it all the same. I've seen better players playing this shot off their front foot but conventional wisdom is from the middel/back.

By the way, I'm referring to shots from the fairway (tight lie).

Much appreciated!
Loire.

This is my favorite video and explains the difference between the 2 best techniques out there.

I use the Mickelson one but I make sure I turn my body to always face the target on finish

Whyner

You don't need to check the ball to be a very good up and downer

Spin is too unpredictable unless you've got major skills

Soft hands and practice for me

k.p.h

Ah yeah, It's a case of Mickelson,Stockton and just about every old school golf coach ever leading everyone astray. :P

The ball back, handle forward method of chipping has been superseded by the more modern approach of revealing the bounce on the club and retaining it through impact.

Revealing the bounce and returning it to impact, while it takes a little bit more finesse to execute (IMO and maybe because I always done it the other way) it makes distance control and line an significantly easier to control.

By significant I actually meant an incredible amount easier, because you have the same loft at impact as you had at setup it make the process of judging the distance more natural. And get this, you hit the ball too hard the ball spins more and stops quicker, too soft and it spins less and rolls out more. All leading to the ball ending up closer to the hole..! (The same can be said about hitting it to high or too low).

Mark Roe (off the Sky Sports coverage) is the man teaching this at moments and pretty much all of the pro's who have switched to him have said the switch to this methods has lead to a huge improvement in their short games. The catch is it's 500 smackaroos a lesson with him, and I can find any documentation or info on the web about how to exactly use the method, or even a clear definition of the method beyond what I'v said.

I'v gone it alone and interpreted the concept my own way, and I must say it's working out great so far. I'm definitely getting up and down more often although I do fcuk it up a bit when the pressure is on as I'm only at it a couple of months. Have went through practice sessions recently where I have had up to 30 chips from assorted distances ranging from 8-30 yards end up within the flag stick distance from the hole. But..! That is more a testament to the method than to me, It's a case of "Chunked that one",ball rolls up to the hole,"Agh too soft",ball rolls up to the hole,"Too hard", ball checks and stops just past the hole. Let's just say it's very forgiving in regard to the results

I'l just explain what I do, but it might be way off the mark. Setup square or very slightly open , narrow stance, ball middle or slightly forward, shaft perpendicular, straight back and through, don't break the wrists and try to return the club to the same position as it was at address.

This might help too

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZLuaxmT9gc

Loire

Redzah wrote: »

None taken Loire, as a 2 handicap i'm happy enough with this element of my game. However, this can be played differently by different players. One thing i did not mention is a slight out to in swing plane (fade swing) is used in my method.

No matter what method is used, practice is obviously key to mastering this shot.

Thanks for that. With an open stance, an open club and a slight out to in swing plane are you prone to shanking the ball? Also, with this alignment do you aim at the flag or a few feet to the left? Thanks again. One other thing...how do you follow through - resticted like a punch shot or high finish like a flop shot or neither?

k.p.h

That's a really good video Irish bloke explains it pretty much spot on, cheers.

Loire

foxyboxer wrote: »

Why not ask them how they do it?

I know! It was in a competition for a start - they were both playing well and we were moving nicely so didn't want to break their routine. (OK and I was a bit embarrassed too!)

Redzah

Loire wrote: »

Thanks for that. With an open stance, an open club and a slight out to in swing plane are you prone to shanking the ball? Also, with this alignment do you aim at the flag or a few feet to the left? Thanks again.

No to the shanks question as the clubface is only marginally open to compensate for the face that the out to in swing plane can pull the ball to the left. I aim at the flag, the ball will not go right from such a short distance. The key to this shot is a decending blow and stiff wrists (that are ahead of the ball). IMO an open stance should be used for all shots inside 50 yards.

As i said its a difficult technique to master but practice can help. On the mickleson V donald video, my method would be closer to the Mickleson method but no as exaggerated with the forward press.

On the follow through the answer is neither. From 40 yards, it would be about an 8 o'clock backswing and the same length follow through.

The strike is the most important thing on this shot, any grass between the clubface and ball and the ball will roll out when it hits the green. if u catch it thin it will roll through the green. if you do not hit the correct decending blow the ball for instance if you don't keep the wrists ahead and stiff (i.e. if you flip them) then this will result in a scooping action that will fly higher (if not duffed) and roll out when it hits the green.

So basically, the strike is key and you will instantly know upon the feel of contact how it will react on the green.

Loire

Redzah wrote: »

No to the shanks question as the clubface is only marginally open to compensate for the face that the out to in swing plane can pull the ball to the left. I aim at the flag, the ball will not go right from such a short distance. The key to this shot is a decending blow and stiff wrists (that are ahead of the ball). IMO an open stance should be used for all shots inside 50 yards.

As i said its a difficult technique to master but practice can help. On the mickleson V donald video, my method would be closer to the Mickleson method but no as exaggerated with the forward press.

On the follow through the answer is neither. From 40 yards, it would be about an 8 o'clock backswing and the same length follow through

Thanks again for all of that. With the mornings getting earlier I'll be a good little boy and practice this before heading out!

Loire

One other thing (Jees feel like Columbo!)...what about weight...are you central or weight forward and do you keep your feet pretty close together?

Redzah

Loire wrote: »

One other thing (Jees feel like Columbo!)...what about weight...are you central or weight forward and do you keep your feet pretty close together?

Weight distribution would be 60:40 in favour of the front foot. Too much weight on the back foot will result in the scooping action i mentioned and too much weight on front foot will result in too low a ball flight.

Yes feet should always be much closer together for all short game shots (with the exception of bunker shots) and this is no different.

Loire

Redzah wrote: »

Weight distribution would be 60:40 in favour of the front foot. Too much weight on the back foot will result in the scooping action i mentioned and too much weight on front foot will result in too low a ball flight.

Yes feet should always be much closer together for all short game shots (with the exception of bunker shots) and this is no different.

That's perfect, thanks.

Hacker111

hades wrote: »

This is where i have all my issues aswell and as the pro's all say, spend around 75% of your practice time from 100 yards in.

I picked up a copy of Mickelsons Secrets of the Short Game, and i try to practice a few of those routines twice a week. Spending around 1 1/2 to 2 hours in total each time. Since i have started training specifically in this area i'm seeing a major improvement in my scores.

Bought this too....guy is a genius..... I copied his technique last 18 months and chipping is one of best parts of my game...... it really is practice practice though.....

Lefty preaches the "hing and hold" move..... check it out... I would recommned the DVD...some of it is a little cheesy but it defo works

GreeBo

I'm always a little leery of advising people to use highly lofted clubs for chipping/pitching when there is nothing in the way that would prevent a chip and run.

I would argue that it takes a lot more practice to become competent with this technique versus say a 7iron chip and run...or even a rescue chip and run and I cant really see the benefits to the bigger swing, open the face, LW approach.

stockdam

Loire wrote: »

I agree...do you agree with Redzah (no offence Redzah!) on set up / execution?

I neither agree nor disagree as I've seen several different techniques ranging from high floaters to low stabbers. Good chippers seem to have their own styles and do what works best for them. I guess they strike the ball consistently rather than the likes of me who is always trying to find the perfect strike and never succeeding. The shot that I cannot hit is the low hard wedge that hops twice then stops dead - it's almost like throwing darts at a dart-board.


My advice is to practice until your ball striking is good then use that for 90% of the shots. The other 10% may need a variety of different shots depending on the problem faced.

Redzah

GreeBo wrote: »

I'm always a little leery of advising people to use highly lofted clubs for chipping/pitching when there is nothing in the way that would prevent a chip and run.

I would argue that it takes a lot more practice to become competent with this technique versus say a 7iron chip and run...or even a rescue chip and run and I cant really see the benefits to the bigger swing, open the face, LW approach.

Agreed, if the chip and run is an option its an easier shot both to practice and to get within a 10 foot range as there is more margin for error.

Bigger swing lob wedge (open face is common misconception, straight face is adequate, although i do open mine slightly) approach is beneficial in the following circumstances;

1. Obstacle in the way i.e. bunker
2. A rise to the green
3. A green with a few steps where flying it might be a better option due to undulations
4. If this shot can be mastered it can be used in all circumstances and also getting used to the speed of the greens is less of an issue with this shot as the ball spends much less time rolling.

Redzah

stockdam wrote: »

I neither agree nor disagree as I've seen several different techniques ranging from high floaters to low stabbers. Good chippers seem to have their own styles and do what works best for them. I guess they strike the ball consistently rather than the likes of me who is always trying to find the perfect strike and never succeeding. The shot that I cannot hit is the low hard wedge that hops twice then stops dead - it's almost like throwing darts at a dart-board.


My advice is to practice until your ball striking is good then use that for 90% of the shots. The other 10% may need a variety of different shots depending on the problem faced.

Agreed, no matter how u set up, its all about the strike. Different methods can result in a similar strike, i was just offering an insight into what i do.

Loire

Redzah wrote: »

Agreed, if the chip and run is an option its an easier shot both to practice and to get within a 10 foot range as there is more margin for error.

Bigger swing lob wedge (open face is common misconception, straight face is adequate, although i do open mine slightly) approach is beneficial in the following circumstances;

1. Obstacle in the way i.e. bunker
2. A rise to the green
3. A green with a few steps where flying it might be a better option due to undulations
4. If this shot can be mastered it can be used in all circumstances and also getting used to the speed of the greens is less of an issue with this shot as the ball spends much less time rolling.

This is what catches me. Undulating greens with a few breaks can really thown a pitch and run offline...grand if you're just off the green but hitting a bump&run 20 yards out can be a lottery.

Whyner

What do you play off Loire?

Redzah

Loire wrote: »

This is what catches me. Undulating greens with a few breaks can really thown a pitch and run offline...grand if you're just off the green but hitting a bump&run 20 yards out can be a lottery.

Yes of course in these circumstance the shot that you wish to learn is the right option.

Also, I would always promote landing the ball on the green in all circumstances where possible as it limits the chances of a good shot getting an unlucky bounce etc. The greens are more consistent than any other cut and therefore, easier to judge how the ball will react.

Loire

Whyner wrote: »

What do you play off Loire?

12

Redzah

Loire wrote: »

12

A 12 handicapper should be able to play this shot so just a bit of practice with the right technique and then commit to the shot when its needed.


The common fault i see is that an individual does not commit to the shot and flips the wrists at impact resulting in a duff or scoop. Decending blow is key here and so long as no grass gets caught between the face and ball (i.e. ball is hit first then turf), then u should be fine. If you have the yips with chipping in general then do not even try this shot.

Loire

Redzah wrote: »

A 12 handicapper should be able to play this shot so just a bit of practice with the right technique and then commit to the shot when its needed.


The common fault i see is that an individual does not commit to the shot and flips the wrists at impact resulting in a duff or scoop. Decending blow is key here and so long as no grass gets caught between the face and ball (i.e. ball is hit first then turf), then u should be fine. If you have the yips with chipping in general then do not even try this shot.

I'm OK with the standard chip and run and lukily don't have the yips to worry about. I played around with the method you have outlined above (or close to it) * edit..actually when I think about it I was doing a lot different to what you recommend....I was taking it back low and trying to scoop/lift it cleanly from the grass...obviously with a 60 degree the margin of error was to little! a few duffed shots caused me to shy away...I think now this was happening because I was not commiting 100% as you say. In addition I was moving my body too much and dropping my head down causing me to hit the ball fat. Lots of practice me thinks! The mornings are getting earlier now and we have a very good practice area so no excuses!!

BoardsMember

Redzah wrote: »

The common fault i see is that an individual does not commit to the shot and flips the wrists at impact resulting in a duff or scoop. Decending blow is key here and so long as no grass gets caught between the face and ball (i.e. ball is hit first then turf), then u should be fine. If you have the yips with chipping in general then do not even try this shot.

Oh lord, this is me through & through - the yips, hitting it screaming through the green. A bleeding nightmare. I have worked at it though, and got up and down 4 times in 15 holes yesterday so it is coming. I find you can do it with a lot of practise on the practise green, but it takes longer to bring it to the course, i.e. under pressure it can still happen.

The best bit of advice I got was to take a few practise swings when looking at the target, and while visualising what the ball is going to do. Then put the club behind the ball and hit it quick! Your body knows what to do, its when you engage your brain & bring technical thoughts into it that the problems start!

Loire

BoardsMember wrote: »

Oh lord, this is me through & through - the yips, hitting it screaming through the green. A bleeding nightmare. I have worked at it though, and got up and down 4 times in 15 holes yesterday so it is coming. I find you can do it with a lot of practise on the practise green, but it takes longer to bring it to the course, i.e. under pressure it can still happen.

The best bit of advice I got was to take a few practise swings when looking at the target, and while visualising what the ball is going to do. Then put the club behind the ball and hit it quick! Your body knows what to do, its when you engage your brain & bring technical thoughts into it that the problems start!

One thing that works for me (with chip and runs from off the green) is to shorten my backswing which forces me to follow through...oh yeah...and don't lift my head!!

BoardsMember

My real issue is caused by decelerating, due to having too long a backswing. I am slowly trying to shorten the backswing, but it feels like a rushed shot. The horrors of it all! I'm not interested in developing a longer floow through, I'm just trying to get a good solid acceleration through contact, finishing at about 8 o'clock.

In fact, the chip & run is fine with me, it's more the short pitch, you know where you have to carry it four or five feet, and need to stop it reasonably quickly, i.e. you have to get some height on it.

It's a work in progress. I think a huge part of overcoming stuff like this is to congratulate youreself when it goes well on the course, and accept that you are going to make a meal of it some of the time.

Redzah

Loire wrote: »

I'm OK with the standard chip and run and lukily don't have the yips to worry about. I played around with the method you have outlined above (or close to it) * edit..actually when I think about it I was doing a lot different to what you recommend....I was taking it back low and trying to scoop/lift it cleanly from the grass...obviously with a 60 degree the margin of error was to little! a few duffed shots caused me to shy away...I think now this was happening because I was not commiting 100% as you say. In addition I was moving my body too much and dropping my head down causing me to hit the ball fat. Lots of practice me thinks! The mornings are getting earlier now and we have a very good practice area so no excuses!!

Take away should be slightly steeper (do not get overly steep) than a regular shot and follow through should be decending with turf taken (after ball). The method u highlight above is incorrect no matter how u set up for this shot.

Loire

Redzah wrote: »

Take away should be slightly steeper (do not get overly steep) than a regular shot and follow through should be decending with turf taken (after ball). The method u highlight above is incorrect no matter how u set up for this shot.

Tell me about it!

Loire

BoardsMember wrote: »

My real issue is caused by decelerating, due to having too long a backswing. I am slowly trying to shorten the backswing, but it feels like a rushed shot. The horrors of it all! I'm not interested in developing a longer floow through, I'm just trying to get a good solid acceleration through contact, finishing at about 8 o'clock.

In fact, the chip & run is fine with me, it's more the short pitch, you know where you have to carry it four or five feet, and need to stop it reasonably quickly, i.e. you have to get some height on it.

It's a work in progress. I think a huge part of overcoming stuff like this is to congratulate youreself when it goes well on the course, and accept that you are going to make a meal of it some of the time.

Apologies, I didn't mean follow-through as in a high finish, but rather committing to the shot...a shorter back swing foreces me to accellerate through the shot.

BoardsMember

What are you playing off Loire?

Redzah

Loire wrote: »

Apologies, I didn't mean follow-through as in a high finish, but rather committing to the shot...a shorter back swing foreces me to accellerate through the shot.

Although a shorter backswing can fix this fault you may find it difficult to have consistent rythm and consequently a consistent strike with a shortened backswing. It would probably be more beneficial to slow down the back swing a little (not too much) and accelerate (again not too much) through the ball. If i was to guess i would think that the follow through should be 1.2 times faster than the backswing for this shot.

Loire

BoardsMember wrote: »

What are you playing off Loire?

12 (still )

BoardsMember

D'Uh!

irish bloke

k.p.h wrote: »

Ah yeah, It's a case of Mickelson,Stockton and just about every old school golf coach ever leading everyone astray. :P

The ball back, handle forward method of chipping has been superseded by the more modern approach of revealing the bounce on the club and retaining it through impact.

Revealing the bounce and returning it to impact, while it takes a little bit more finesse to execute (IMO and maybe because I always done it the other way) it makes distance control and line an significantly easier to control.

By significant I actually meant an incredible amount easier, because you have the same loft at impact as you had at setup it make the process of judging the distance more natural. And get this, you hit the ball too hard the ball spins more and stops quicker, too soft and it spins less and rolls out more. All leading to the ball ending up closer to the hole..! (The same can be said about hitting it to high or too low).

Mark Roe (off the Sky Sports coverage) is the man teaching this at moments and pretty much all of the pro's who have switched to him have said the switch to this methods has lead to a huge improvement in their short games. The catch is it's 500 smackaroos a lesson with him, and I can find any documentation or info on the web about how to exactly use the method, or even a clear definition of the method beyond what I've said.

I'v gone it alone and interpreted the concept my own way, and I must say it's working out great so far. I'm definitely getting up and down more often although I do fcuk it up a bit when the pressure is on as I'm only at it a couple of months. Have went through practice sessions recently where I have had up to 30 chips from assorted distances ranging from 8-30 yards end up within the flag stick distance from the hole. But..! That is more a testament to the method than to me, It's a case of "Chunked that one",ball rolls up to the hole,"Agh too soft",ball rolls up to the hole,"Too hard", ball checks and stops just past the hole. Let's just say it's very forgiving in regard to the results

I'l just explain what I do, but it might be way off the mark. Setup square or very slightly open , narrow stance, ball middle or slightly forward, shaft perpendicular, straight back and through, don't break the wrists and try to return the club to the same position as it was at address.

This might help too

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZLuaxmT9gc

Just to add to this, I went to a very good pro recently for a chipping lesson (he's playing on challenge tour next year) and he was advocating the Donald method to me.

In the end I decided to stick with the Mickelson method (might reconsider though:)), but the one thing he couldnt stress enough to me about this method was about the follow through.

He pointed out that to train you body to work as a single unit, the handle of the club should always point to your bellybutton on the follow through of your swing. This stops the arms from taking over.

Say for a 30 yard chip: the shaft and your bellybutton should be pointing directly at the target with the shaft parallel to the ground at the finish.

Luckycharm

My biggest problem is quiting on the shot decelerating. I have no confidence just off the green and will always go for a long putt what is the best method for say just off the green.

Whyner

Loire wrote: »

12 (still )

I've played with quite a few low handicappers and they don't check the ball at all. Tom Watson is also against spin unless necessary.

I tried to work on this shot 2 years ago, probably after playing with some low handicappers. In the end I decided to work on creativity with a number of different wedges.

You're right to inquire but don't be too dismayed if you don't pick it up. It's not easy but it is a useful extra option around the greens.

Loire

Whyner wrote: »

I've played with quite a few low handicappers and they don't check the ball at all. Tom Watson is also against spin unless necessary.

I tried to work on this shot 2 years ago, probably after playing with some low handicappers. In the end I decided to work on creativity with a number of different wedges.

You're right to inquire but don't be too dismayed if you don't pick it up. It's not easy but it is a useful extra option around the greens.

I take your point and if I'm never able to make the ball hop once and stop dead I won't mind. If I get a consistent roll (say 2-3 feet) everytime I'm more than happy to work with that. At the moment I'm hiting the ball in too high with my 60 and although distance can be decent I'm finishing left/right of the hole bu a margin. Also the wind can affect me bigtime. With the shot outlined above I'd hope for a straighter and lower shot which should hopefully me more consistent.

dnjoyce

to add to Whyners point - the "straighter, lower shot" that you're seeking could also be found with a PW, 50, 54 etc. The bounce and stop shot looks great and can be very effective but it is also extremely punishing if you don't get it spot on. The 60 degree wedge is a dangerous tool in the wrong hands and I'd only really use it once you mastered consistent striking with your other wedges

BoardsMember

You're wasting your time with a 60 degree wedge. It'll break your heart! Only when you are trying a proper flop shot should you use it. In my humble opinion. Unless you are low single figures.

Redzah

BoardsMember wrote: »

You're wasting your time with a 60 degree wedge. It'll break your heart! Only when you are trying a proper flop shot should you use it. In my humble opinion. Unless you are low single figures.

There's no harm in Loire trying to use the 60 degree for this shot on the practice range as he has stated. This shot cannot be played with lower than a 56 degree as the ball will roll out more. If there is room for the ball to roll out and it suits the shot then no harm in a PW being used but for the shot he asked (1 bounce and stop) then he needs a 56 - 60 degree.

No harm in practicing it on the range Loire, if it works out then great and if u can't play it then don't use it on the course.

Loire

BoardsMember wrote: »

You're wasting your time with a 60 degree wedge. It'll break your heart! Only when you are trying a proper flop shot should you use it. In my humble opinion. Unless you are low single figures.

Thanks for that, but I'm actually fairly comfortable using my 60 degree club (probably my favourite club to be honest). Went to the driving range at lunchtime and practiced with the 60 degree and it went pretty well. No yardage markers though and terrible balls so I won't know until I play next how I get on.

For the first time in a long time I put every shot I took last weekend into a spreadhseet. I'm normally an OK driver of the ball (in play rather than length) but an off-day had me hitting a lot of long irons and woods and to I ended up using my 60 degree 7 times. Now, granted some of these were from the light rough close to the green, but some were from the fairway also about 20-40 yards.

Redzah....another question (!)...usually when I'm 60-80 yards out I'll hit a SW that also goes pretty high and can be a bit wayword...for this I'd like to start hitting a punchy PW or 52 degree...is the technique you have outlined the same for this?

Thanks again,
Loire.

Redzah

Loire wrote: »

Thanks for that, but I'm actually fairly comfortable using my 60 degree club (probably my favourite club to be honest). Went to the driving range at lunchtime and practiced with the 60 degree and it went pretty well. No yardage markers though and terrible balls so I won't know until I play next how I get on.

For the first time in a long time I put every shot I took last weekend into a spreadhseet. I'm normally an OK driver of the ball (in play rather than length) but an off-day had me hitting a lot of long irons and woods and to I ended up using my 60 degree 7 times. Now, granted some of these were from the light rough close to the green, but some were from the fairway also about 20-40 yards.

Redzah....another question (!)...usually when I'm 60-80 yards out I'll hit a SW that also goes pretty high and can be a bit wayword...for this I'd like to start hitting a punchy PW or 52 degree...is the technique you have outlined the same for this?

Thanks again,
Loire.

Yes exactly Loire, another tip for this would be to grip down on it for these shots and get more over the ball. This should not be played with your posture for a full shot.

Again just to point out that when i mentioned standing open and swinging out to in I only mean slightly. Most important thing is ball in the middle of the stance and an 8 o'clock swing that hits a decending blow on the ball. I reckon your high sandwedge shot is to do with a slight scooping action or the club hitting the ball at the base of your swing or the upswing which is incorrect.

Imagine overhanging trees when playing this shot, not too overhanging where u will have to hit it very low but overhanging where your normal sandwedge would get caught. Dr. Bob over and out!!

Loire

Redzah wrote: »

Yes exactly Loire, another tip for this would be to grip down on it for these shots and get more over the ball. This should not be played with your posture for a full shot.

Again just to point out that when i mentioned standing open and swinging out to in I only mean slightly. Most important thing is ball in the middle of the stance and an 8 o'clock swing that hits a decending blow on the ball. I reckon your high sandwedge shot is to do with a slight scooping action or the club hitting the ball at the base of your swing or the upswing which is incorrect.

Imagine overhanging trees when playing this shot, not too overhanging where u will have to hit it very low but overhanging where your normal sandwedge would get caught. Dr. Bob over and out!!

Thanks a mil for that. (How do you get to carnegie hall?!!)

GreeBo

Loire wrote: »

Redzah....another question (!)...usually when I'm 60-80 yards out I'll hit a SW that also goes pretty high and can be a bit wayword...for this I'd like to start hitting a punchy PW or 52 degree...is the technique you have outlined the same for this?

Thanks again,
Loire.

Take less club and dont take a full swing. The shorter the swing the lower the ball goes.
Hit a 3/4 PW or half a 9i instead, once you are still accelerating into the ball you will get enough spin to stop the ball (probably not dead but within a couple of metres)