Using the technique described in the Score like a Champion series, you’re able to attack almost any pin from about 120 yards and in by precisely controling your trajectory, spin and distance.
There is, however, one shot missing from your arsenal in the standard Wedge Play Distance Matrix – the distance wedge lob.
Let’s say that, in your own Matrix, a half-swing with your lob wedge carries 37 yards. Imagine that you’ve left yourself a shot of 37 yards to the pin, but the flag is tucked close to the nearest edge of the green and you need to carry a hazard, such as water or a bunker.
The problem is that a half-swing will fly lower and spin less than you need to really attack this difficult flag, even with your lob wedge. It would be a tricky shot even if there wasn’t a hazard waiting to punish any mistakes.
The distance wedge lob shot solves this by adding one more number to your Matrix, about the same distance as your half-swing lob wedge, but flying much higher and stopping quickly on the green.
You shouldn’t need this shot very often, if you do then it’s because you’ve short-sided yourself as a result of a tactical error, laying up to the wrong place, or you’ve badly mishit your approach shot. But when you do need it, it’s a fantastic weapon that can save you shots and impress your playing partners!
How to Play the Distance Wedge Lob Shot
Figure 1. Distance Wedge Lob: Setup
Distance Wedge Lob: Open Club Face
Figure 3. Distance Wedge Lob: Alignment
To play the distance wedge lob, take your lob wedge and set up to the ball as you would normally do in wedge play – see Golf Wedge Play 101 – Technique.
Align yourself about 5 yards (4.5m) to the left of the target, if you are a right-handed golfer – see Figure 3.
Now open the club face so that the grooves point to the inside of your lead toes – see Figures 1 and 2. Do this by resting the club head on the ground and then lossening your grip to let the club turn in your hands, and then reform your grip. Never open the club face by just twisting your hands! Your grip must be neutral on a twisted golf club.
Using the normal wedge play technique, make a three-quarter swing – see Golf Wedge Play 102 – Technique: Distance Control. Be sure that you swing and deliver the club along your body alignment, and not at the target.
The ball will launch high, carry approximately the same distance as your normal half-swing, and stop quickly on the green.
You will need to practice this shot, as you do the other standard shots in Golf Wedge Play Drill 102 – Technique: The Wedge Play Distance Matrix, to determine the precise distance you need to aim away from the target, and the exact carry distance for your swing. Record the carry number in your Matrix, and include this shot in your Skill Development practice.
This article is part of the Golf Loopy Score like a Champion series, the sensational new wedge play game improvement system that will help you to attack the pin from 120 yards and in. The improvements to your scores will be dramatic, and they will be permanent.
