Wedge Swings

[gentles]

Divots + Fat Shots = Technique or Equipment?

Hi all, I have been really struggling over the past few months with hitting shots fat. On a typical wedge shot, my divot will be approx 7 inches long, and about an inch deep. Maybe one in five will be fat, and end up short of the green. I know these too big, and I feel like a muppet at the practise fairway taking such huge pieces of earth with every swing. My question is, is this a matter of technique, or incorrect wedge bounce? I wonder about the latter as I struggle the most with my 60* which only has 5* bounce. Any ideas drills to help with shallowing out? Thanks

[jcjr34]

I'm in the same boat as you, but I think it comes down to more technique flaws than anything. I have high bounce wedges and also hit alot of fat shots. Hopefully someone can chime in on some drills. :drinks:

[bloodredsun]

Sorry but hitting fats is down to poor technique, pure and simple.

 

Bounce is more about what conditions you play in: harder clay (less bounce) or softer loam (more bounce).

 

As for drills, here are a couple 1, 2 but ultimately it's hitting down on the ball with your wedge that eliminates fats. Just think 'ball then turf'.

[Diesel]

are we talking full wedges or partial shots...

 

on those partials you need to take the weight transfer out of the equation... get your weight up front, and don't dive or dip into the ball on the downswing...

[oregongolf]

my swing key for solid wedge shots has always been to "feel" like i have more of my weight stacked on my right side (left handed).

 

it helps me make ball first contact and hit down on the ball.

[gentles]

Thanks for the advice guys. I do try to tell myself to hit down on the ball, and it usually works ok...apart from the dinner plate that comes after. ideally, I would like divots the size of a popsice, not too big, but enough to give control

[ezra76]

I like to think I'm swinging with my belt buckle, stay connected. I've been hitting the best wedge shots I ever have this year since doing this. Weight stays forward and hands are well ahead the ball at impact. This also helps produce the high spin flat trajectory. I've heard a lot of "uh oh's" from guys I play with for the 1st, till it checks right up. No, I didn't scull it. lol.

[ApexGrind]

Thanks for the advice guys. I do try to tell myself to hit down on the ball, and it usually works ok...apart from the dinner plate that comes after. ideally, I would like divots the size of a popsice, not too big, but enough to give control

 

Are you a "digger" instead of a "sweeper" on your mid irons? If not then you may need to find what you're doing differently with your wedges. Sounds like you're dipping. I rely solely on a lob shot inside 70 yards. When it calls for it I'll use my 60 degree on a green and never leave a mark. You can't move your head when you do that....

[gentles]

I do have a tendency to take big divots with all irons, but it is greatly maginified in the lower Irons. I think it may be a dip though, but when I try and stay tall I hit a slappy, nothing shot that goes sky high.

[leekgolf]

This is all about leakage. Practice your wedges with a tee in the ground on each side of the ball, even with the front (target side) of the ball. Work to make sure your divot starts after the tees.