The Big Wedge Thread

FixdePitchmark

Another thread

Got a pm about wedges.

A real weak area of mine, we all know it is about practice. I have got short periods of results with plenty of practice.

But for such a key area of the game - it would be nice to read ideas on them

Like in areas such as

How many do you have, company , shaft , loft ?

How often do you change?

How often do you practice and how in season

How do you play 25y 50y 75y 100y, any key swing ideas here - grip down swing shape , length, stance

Did you ever go to someone with just wedge play in mind

Do you get backspin and how, what is your thinking on ball you uses

And for fun, have you tried a phil flop in competition - how did it go

FixdePitchmark

Mods - please fix title - I bladed that :)

Loire

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

And for fun, have you tried a phil flop in competition - how did it go

I did once and pulled it off! Open at Fota. I was just outside one of the bunkers to the right of the 17th green and the flag was only a few paces on. Took the 60 degree back low to the ground, accelerated under the ball, up she popped and landed a foot from the hole. I've lost count of the number of times I have either duffed or skulled this shot so it was nice to pull it off in a competition.

Senecio

How many do you have, company , shaft , loft ?
Titleist AP2 PW (~45*)
Vokey 52*
Vokey 56*
All standard wedge flex shafts

How often do you change?
These are brand new (1 week old). Previous wedges were 7-8 years old before being replaced. They were the same configuration in Taylormade

How often do you practice and how in season
10 mins of chipping and putting before teeing off on a Saturday morning. No structure to it.

How do you play 25y 50y 75y 100y, any key swing ideas here - grip down swing shape , length, stance
No mechanical thoughts in my mind inside of 120yds. Everything is played by eye and feel. Couldn't tell you if I'm playing a 1/2 or 3/4 wedge.

Did you ever go to someone with just wedge play in mind
No

Do you get backspin and how, what is your thinking on ball you uses
Plenty of backspin, probably too much on full wedges. I often play punch 8-irons into greens to remove some spin.

And for fun, have you tried a phil flop in competition - how did it go
Yes, I'd say I've had 50/50 success with flop shots. I wouldn't really try one unless there was no other way to get near the hole.

martinkop

I read Pelz's short game bible this year and it worked great for my distance control using the 7.30, 9.00 & 10.30 positions with different clubs. A lot of practice to work out yardage for each but well worth the effort. But I'm high handicap so may not measure a good shot to same level as others.

Only use stock PW, GW & SW. Love to get the 64° out though, fine it fantastic in greenside bunkers at home club.

ForeRight

70% of golf shots are from 100yds and it but I'll be honest I rarely practice that

Very silly really

luvthegame

Just have two wedges PW and Cleveland 55 degree.

I will change 55 when the grooves are very worn, probably 5 years based on usage.

I only try flop shots if i have no other choice.

Around the green i will use 7i to 55. I never try to spin these shots, just run them out.

I use chromesoft cos i like the way they feel on chips and putts. They are also very durable.

Outside of indoor putting and 5 mins chipping in garden i never practice short game.

I grip down and shorten length of swing for shorter full shots.

Senecio

Depends on your course really. Excluding putts and green-side ships I wouldn't hit more than 5 shots per round from inside 100yds at my course. Probably less as my favourite distance to lay up to on par 5's is 110-130yds. I'm not long enough off the tee to get inside 100yds on any of our par 4's.

frink

How many do you have, company , shaft , loft ?
Vokey 46 bounce 8
Vokey 52 bounce 8
Vokey 56 bounce 10
All standard wedge shafts

How often do you change?
The 46 and 56 are less than 4 weeks old and 52 is 3-4 years. Depends of the wear on the face if I change

How often do you practice and how in season
Try practice every two weeks
Usually try get up and down with 1 ball, then 2, 3, 4 and so on. Brings putting into practice then too

How do you play 25y 50y 75y 100y, any key swing ideas here - grip down swing shape , length, stance
Stand slightly more open with wedges. Take the Bob Rotella approach. Just think about holing it!

Did you ever go to someone with just wedge play in mind
No

Do you get backspin and how, what is your thinking on ball you uses
Use ProV1s so get some back spin. More check spin really though. Hops once then stops

And for fun, have you tried a phil flop in competition - how did it go
Tried a few times, comes off but find sometimes the club bounces so goes too far

Russman

How many do you have, company , shaft , loft ?
Standard PW from set, JPX850 Forged, s300 shaft
Vokey SM5 52 degree, stock wedge shaft
Callaway X Tour 56 degree, stock wedge shaft

How often do you change?
Frequently enough just to try the newer offerings, yet I always come back to the Callaway 56. For me the 52 is mostly a fuller swing club so I'm not so picky about that one, but I've yet to come across a better wedge than the old X-Tour from around 2006/2007. I picked up 3 of them brand new, a few years ago, and I'm about halfway through the 2nd one's useful groove life.

How often do you practice and how in season
If I'm playing a few holes after work in the summer I'll always spend 10-15 mins at each green doing a bit. Lucky the course is quiet !

How do you play 25y 50y 75y 100y, any key swing ideas here - grip down swing shape , length, stance
From inside 100yds, its all by feel. There's the flag, now hit the ball up beside it.

Did you ever go to someone with just wedge play in mind
No.

Do you get backspin and how, what is your thinking on ball you use
Yes. Clean grooves is the most important factor, followed by a decent strike. Most premium balls are close enough in performance that it doesn't really matter. That said, like a lot I people I always end up back with the Pro V1 (in summertime anyway).

And for fun, have you tried a phil flop in competition - how did it go
Yes, but only when necessary, even while just carrying a 56 degree. It almost always goes well as I don't try to hit it if it can't be hit due to lie, slope etc.

spacecoyote

How many do you have, company , shaft , loft ?
Calloway Apex PW
Calloway Apex AW - 50 degree - Gotta love the Americans with the "Attack" wedge rather than Gap Wedge
Cleveland 588 Tour - 56 degree
Cleveland 588 RTX - 60 degree (a complete passenger in my bag)

How often do you change?
Rarely - changed the PW & Gap wedge when I got the new irons. My previous gap wedge I'd had for probably 7/8 years

How often do you practice and how in season
Any time I go out to the range I will probably hit at least 1/3 of the balls with wedges. The range in the spawell is pretty good for short targets. They have circular nets & a number of Angry Birds targets dotted around the area. I'll try play games aiming to get a specific number within a range of the target. That will range between 25 -100 yards & I'll try hitting to the same targets but with different clubs to give myself options.

They've just opened a range at my home club recently too & I will try hit at a few short targets before I head out for a round.

Unfortunately I don't get to practice often enough to see a benefit from that.

I really don't put enough work into my chipping & bunker game though, I'd get a greater benefit from improvements there I reckon

How do you play 25y 50y 75y 100y, any key swing ideas here - grip down swing shape , length, stance
Grip down, more weight on my left side, forward shaft lean at address & just try to make sure I accelerate through the ball. I'm not generally trying to shape it inside 75yds, try to hit pretty much straight. I might try a baby fade/draw from 100-120 yrds depending on requirement

Did you ever go to someone with just wedge play in mind
I've gone for short game lessons, but not really that wedge attack range

Do you get backspin and how, what is your thinking on ball you uses
Don't get a massive amount of spin, but I hit my clubs fairly high, so don't tend to get a massive run out. A full blooded PW/Gap Wedge might result in 12-24 inches of spin depending on conditions.

And for fun, have you tried a phil flop in competition - how did it go
Have tried it a few times, but only in situations where I had literally no other option.

Pulled off a fantastic one once in Lucan on the 6th hole. There is a steep drop off to the right side of the green & the pin was tucked close to the right edge. Let fly & stitched it to about a foot. Was playing with a guy off 2 or 3 at the time & he raved about it. Was chuffed. That is the real exception to the rule for me though.

Last time I tried it was 4th hole in Castlewarden. Pulled approach badly & was blocked off by Fir trees. Couldn't go low as there was a bunker between me & the green. Forced to go high, got way too much on it & flew the green & into the hazard the other side. That would be more typical of the end result when I usually try it.

BigChap1759

How many do you have, company , shaft , loft ?
AP2 PW 47*
Cleveland RTX2 52 10
Cleveland RTX2 56 12
Cleveland RTX2 52 10

How often do you change?
Will change every couple of years

How often do you practice and how in season
In summer as often as possible - has to be off grass

How do you play 25y 50y 75y 100y, any key swing ideas here - grip down swing shape , length, stance
Full out SW is 105 and LW is 90 - for distances less than this I now use 60 degree and "use the bounce" technique - if you google "Monte Scheinblum use the bounce" you can purchase the video from his site - it is gold dust and the most consistent way to play short shots with a wedge

Did you ever go to someone with just wedge play in mind
No

Do you get backspin and how, what is your thinking on ball you uses
Yes, on a good strike and receptive greens - enough to take it into account especially if hitting into the wind.

And for fun, have you tried a phil flop in competition - how did it go
Yes, and have now stopped due to the results:o

RoadRunner

How many do you have, company , shaft , loft ?
Cleveland RTX2 50 mid bounce
Cleveland RTX2 54 low
Cleveland RTX2 58 mid

How often do you change?
They are new. I should get years out of them.

How often do you practice and how in season
Chip in my living room carpet into the budda bag night before playing.

How do you play 25y 50y 75y 100y, any key swing ideas here - grip down swing shape , length, stance
Use 54 mostly. If ground soft then 50. 58 from bunkers or on special occasions, if I want to try stop it quick. Don't like bump and run with lower lofted clubs yet.

Did you ever go to someone with just wedge play in mind
No

Do you get backspin and how, what is your thinking on ball you uses
Generally stops within a few feet. Sometimes comes back if a full shot. I avoid full wedge shots into wind. I only use balls which have a urethane cover but I can't tell any performance difference between ball brands other than sound.

And for fun, have you tried a phil flop in competition - how did it go
Added to todo list.

Mantis Toboggan

I need to get new wedges, groves are fairly damaged, probably start of next season,
I'm thinking of getting fitted for them and maybe also get an 8 and 9 iron.

Is this a good idea or is there a need to get fitted for wedges?

Senna

I have never know what to do about wedges, my short game is fairly good, but I'd happily play most rounds with the highest wedge being a 51 GW. I've always had a PW and GW from the set, using AP2 at the moment.

During the summer I decided to try;
56 Callaway Jaws (high bounce 16)
60 Cleveland 588 (low bounce 8)
I have no idea what shafts are in them.

Went with the low and high bounce options for the different lies around the green and different bunker types. Anything outside of 20 yards is always a feel shot with a PW, unless the ground is very soft and that's where the high bounce 56 will appear.

Have to say the low bounce lob wedge has been brilliant out of the wet bunkers, the harder the sand, the move spin I seem to be able to get. Don't know if I'd try a flop shot in a comp with a score going, but if the lie is good, I might. Only thing about the flop is committing to it, wuss out and you're in the bunker you were trying to get over:D

My experiment has definitely worked and I now think bounce is probably the most important factor in picking wedges.

FixdePitchmark

Thanks for fixing threat title - great mods.

Was thinking about a post above - and for the Links golf I play - wedges are typically only played when something goes wrong, Links courses can make you a bit 1 dimensional around the greens - you basically are looking putter first then 9 iron. I'd say if I joined a parkland course - the need for my wedges would increase significantly.

I'm still poor from 100 yards - but this is an awkward distance for me too, as it is a little bit more than a 56 S/W , but less than a 52 - I really struggle to take bits of clubs. I am improving. All about control and tempo.

I know it is a key area of the game - but a mid iron to hit a green is very very important to my game.



How many do you have, company , shaft , loft ?

I'm a 48-52-56 (S/W) man
All vokey -
Groves gone on s/w- and have a 60 degree for fun - that I may get bent to 56.

How often do you change?

I need a change - as play a good bit of golf.
I think very good players - change every year - but , I'd say I'm a 3 year man.


How often do you practice and how in season

I hit short game area - and mid game area - I love it and laser has improved my concept of distance much more. I just struggle with my swing path - i'm way too steep for consistent striking. I'm working on this with a pro at present.

How do you play 25y 50y 75y 100y, any key swing ideas here - grip down swing shape , length, stance

I've tried everything here - but tends to be a combination of down grip , slightly open , 7 o'clock - 9 - 11 - but I need way way more work.

Did you ever go to someone with just wedge play in mind

Yes - my own pro and a short game clinic.

Find there are so many ways to do this - you can be sent in too many directions at times.

Do you get backspin and how, what is your thinking on ball you uses

Amazing how much you get on new groves and a good ball - but for some reason lately my groves are filthy - haven't cleaned my clubs in months. But dig in with a tee. Groves are old too.

Love watching the pros - how they control spin - it is basically not even a thing in our mind.

And for fun, have you tried a phil flop in competition - how did it go

When a kid - was very good at them - but as your handicap gets lower - you are a % man - it is a 10 % shot.
I do them a good bit in practice - and I think I will do one in comp for the craic soon. At the end off the day - you will never be a good bunker player - if you cant do a flop.

Webbs

How many do you have, company , shaft , loft ?

Srixon Z745 PW (46 deg)
Cleveland 588 (50 deg)
Cleveland CG15 (54 and 58 deg)

How often do you change?

Srixon and 50deg are new only a few months old, the 54 and 58 are in real need of change as probably 5years old so not a lot of grooves left


How often do you practice and how in season

Dedicated practice maybe once a week or fortnight but we dont have a grass pitching area so is usually only very short game 10yards and in. I think I would be more confident if had a good practice area as a real weakness is my distance control from 30yds to 70yds always underhit. Funnily enough inside 30 and from there on 70 -120yds I am much better but I think thats because I have a better idea of full and half shots with my wedges

How do you play 25y 50y 75y 100y, any key swing ideas here - grip down swing shape , length, stance

As above 25 and 50 are feel and especially the 50yard shot is a mind block for me always have good strike but can be anything upto 10 yds short.

Other distances are very much played with half swings with the various wedges, I rarely play a full backswing on a wedge. So 100yds would be with 50deg, 80yds with 54deg and so on. For example a full swing with the 54 would be nearer the 100yd mark if i hit it. On these my distance control is usually pretty damn good

A lot is feel as well, sometimes i have steep swing and other times shallow, depends on what the lie is like, is it on tight lie, soft ground etc

Did you ever go to someone with just wedge play in mind

No not had a lesson in donkeys years


Do you get backspin and how, what is your thinking on ball you uses

The new 50deg I dont get backspin but the ball just grabs and holds the green, whereas the other wedges do run out a short distance though its only a few feet at most. I am more a picker so spin is not usually a thought i have. As for ball Chromesoft or Wilson Staff Duo Urethane.

And for fun, have you tried a phil flop in competition - how did it go

I have when all else has failed and only comes off if all the planets are in alignment. Too be fair I am reasonably good at these but the lie does have to be right with a nice amount of grass under ball.
Had one this year where had to get up very quickly over a small tree first and a then a bunker only maybe a distance of 10 or so paces to land on an area a few feet square. Played it to perfection, ran out a few inches to hit the slope on the green and ran out another 15 feet or so to within a foot of the hole. Dont ever ask me to do it again!

spacecoyote

Speaking of flop shots

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

Rikand

How many do you have, company , shaft , loft ?

47* PW - Part of my main set of Burner irons
50* GW - vokey (project x shaft 6.0 gram)
54* GW - vokey (project x shaft 6.0 gram)
58* LW - vokey (project x shaft 6.0 gram)

How often do you change?

Only when I absolutely have to. My old wedges were exactly that, OLD and very light and the shafts were going in them. Desperately needed an upgrade.

How often do you practice and how in season

Before I had the baby, I would go to the practice ground once a week minimum. I've only recently started doing that again now. Normally making full swings with each of the wedges, maybe hitting 10 balls each as part of my overall practice routine.

I might go chipping the odd evening after work and before I get home. Squeeze in 30 minutes to try a few chips or do to some putting.

How do you play 25y 50y 75y 100y, any key swing ideas here - grip down swing shape , length, stance

100y - My 50* wedge, full out
75y - my 54* wedge, 3/4's hit
50y - Any of the wedges, depending on whats in front of me (stance, feet close together)
25y - if nothing in front of me, likely my 50* wedge and play it low with a bit of skip and stop on it (stance, feet close together) [ Armsy swing, very little wrist break]

Did you ever go to someone with just wedge play in mind

I got a chipping lesson once, but never gone for playing my wedge shots

Do you get backspin and how, what is your thinking on ball you uses

Not really. Generally just get the ball to stop more or less where the ball landed. I can only spin one club in my bag and that's the 9 iron, can rip it back up to 20 or 30 feet on occasion. Backspin is generated purely on strike with the club. Ball hits club, rolls up the grooves, generates spin. Look at the way Roadrunner chips the ball to see about getting unreal spin. I like titleist prov1's. Purely because I like the feel of them on the green for putting.

And for fun, have you tried a phil flop in competition - how did it go

Used to play them all the time when I was younger and I was pretty good at them. As I've gotten older, I have gotten wiser and they are a low percentage shot really. I'll take any auld pitch now and if it goes 30 feet past the flag, so what.... at least I have a putt!

RoadRunner

Rikand wrote: »

Look at the way Roadrunner chips the ball to see about getting unreal spin

Isn't it great when you do something good once by accident and there's a witness

Letree

I just went for the same sand wedge and gap wedge as my set.

Rikand

RoadRunner wrote: »

Isn't it great when you do something good once by accident and there's a witness

You did it 3 times during the round - that was no accident