On wedges inside 50 yards, the best way to alter the trajectory is to focus on where your hands finish in relation to your body. When your hands stay in close [above, top], you’ll hit a higher shot. When your hands extend towards the target [above, bottom], you’ll flight it lower. Let me explain.
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For the higher shot, swing the club through so the butt end of the grip finishes close to your lead hip. That creates a glancing strike with the club cutting across the ball from out to in. It also reduces shaft lean towards the target at impact. The result is more loft for a higher, softer shot – great for front pins or to fly it over bunkers.
To hit it lower, extend your arms away from your body through the strike.That extension gives you more forward shaft lean at impact and contact lower on the face. You’ll deliver less loft for a lower, hotter shot. It works best for back pins or run-up greens.
If you can dial in the right trajectory with your wedges, you’ll be able to handle any shot to any pin. Your scores will come down, and your confidence will soar.
Michael Breed, based in Greenwich, Connecticut, is Golf Digest‘s Chief Digital Instructor.
