Switching between finesse (wedges) shots and long iron/driving shots

[Fahai]

How do you transition effectively between finesse shots, typically with wedges, and longer iron or driving shots on the golf course? Your insights and tips are welcomed!

 

When my driving and long approach shots are on point, I've observed that I might not be executing my finesse shots with the right level of ease.

[b.mattay]

Anything inside 75 yards (a 3/4 lob wedge), I try to "compartmentalize" the shot by using a reverse overlap grip (scrubs off some speed) and using a different trigger (I normally use a trail knee kick, but I don't want that much pressure shift on these short shots). Exceptions would be flop shots and bunker shots, where I will keep a normal (interlock) grip. 

 

I'm playing around with the idea of further compartmentalizing shots inside 30-40 yards by going left hand low (yes, make fun of me if you want!). 

Edited October 14, 2023 by b.mattay

[Gsea]

the swing is the same for all clubs driver to wedge, length of club dictates the swing

[Louis_Posture]

18 hours ago, Fahai said:

How do you transition effectively between finesse shots, typically with wedges, and longer iron or driving shots on the golf course? Your insights and tips are welcomed!

 

When my driving and long approach shots are on point, I've observed that I might not be executing my finesse shots with the right level of ease.

Good question!

Driver is a tempo wrecker (people tend to swing too hard and try to kill the ball).

1) on the practice range swing mostly short irons and wedges, only a few drivers.

2) on the course , swing driver from only a few tee boxes.

3) the more you swing a fairway wood or hybrid or driving iron from the par 4 and par 5 tee boxes the more proficient you will become because doing this improves tempo for all the clubs within the bag , including short irons and wedges.

[Socrates]

As above, too much swing speed is bad.  If I am thinking well, I will try to think swinging in slow motion to prevent pulling the handle.

 

For finesse shots, you have to rehearse the swing many times.  Watch the Pro's.  They make several swing rehearsals for those shots because they know that they are swinging at a fraction of their normal swing and want to get it right.

[Louis_Posture]

1 hour ago, Socrates said:

 

 

For finesse shots, you have to rehearse the swing many times.  Watch the Pro's.  They make several swing rehearsals for those shots because they know that they are swinging at a fraction of their normal swing and want to get it right.

 

Yes, good point. And it's not only the swing's length and pace that is being rehearsed, but also the club sole's interaction with the ground.

[iutodd]

It's still a work in progress for me but I've just got a totally different swing on "finesse" shots inside maybe 40-50 yards or so...I've been working on taking the club back and then using the rotation of my body to bring the club through - basically Jason Day "dead hands".  I did this because I decided that all I cared about on short shots was contact.  So my full swing stuff doesn't really get in the way of those kinds of half-shots unless my tempo is just completely terrible that day.

 

In terms of just wedge shots in general - I think it's all about tempo.  I once read a tip in a golf mag - which I haven't been able to find online anywhere - I think it was Justin Rose saying that before hitting a fairway metal you should take some practice swings with a 9 iron.  The idea being that your tempo shouldn't change that much between those two clubs and it's easier to get the "right" tempo with a short iron.

 

So yeah - as others have mentioned - tempo is really important.

[SNIPERBBB]

There really is a fine line between going Hulk Smash in the long game to going to ultra precision for the touch shots. Most of it is just practice and experience. You cant just try to swing easy. That often results in swinging lazy and nothing goes well from there.

 

Monte and other teachers talk about using a underhanded throwing motion to try to judge how hard to swing in short game shots. I dont think most people know how hard you actually have to throw a ball to get it on the green from 10 yards. Talk to anyone that pitched for a slow-pitch softball team, or do it yourself(I pitched for several years on a team) and youll find youre not just casually flicking it 50 feet. 

 

I like to make somewhat aggressive moves through the ball. Much easier to get the required speed that way. If you hit a screamer  across the green, at least you had a chance at the flag. If you duff it because you tried to baby it, you get to hit the same shot again with the now prominent visual f what you just did in your head, so you hit a screamer or duff it again.

[Louis_Posture]

14 hours ago, iutodd said:

I think it was Justin Rose saying that before hitting a fairway metal you should take some practice swings with a 9 iron.  The idea being that your tempo shouldn't change that much between those two clubs and it's easier to get the "right" tempo with a short iron.

 

 

Excellent!