Short Game · Drill
Build a Half-Swing Wedge Chart
Part of our short game programs for distance control. Build a program with it
Shots from 40 to 125 yards are where scoring happens. Half swings help a lot here. First, list your wedges and their lofts. Hit full swings with each at your normal speed. Write down the average carry. Then hit half swings, hip to hip, with the same speed and tempo. Write those down too. Now you have twice as many numbers. Half swings are easier to control for most golfers. Add other lengths or even a 9-iron to fill any gaps.
The drill
- List your wedges and lofts.
- Record full-swing carry for each.
- Record hip-to-hip carry for each.
- Keep speed and tempo the same.
- Fill gaps with other lengths or clubs.
Why it works
A shorter backswing with the same tempo gives a repeatable, shorter carry, because the club has less distance to build speed. Carry then depends on swing length instead of on how hard you hit it. Writing the numbers down lets you pick a club and swing length for a given yardmark instead of guessing.
Common mistakes
- Recording total distance instead of carry.Note where the ball first lands, or read carry from a launch monitor, so roll does not blur your numbers.
- Swinging harder or faster on the half swing to get more distance.Keep the same tempo as your full swing and let the length of the backswing set the distance.
- Using one or two shots to set each number.Hit enough balls with each club and length to find a stable average, and ignore clear mishits.
How you'll know it's working
- Your carry distances with each club and swing length group tightly, with no big gaps between your best and worst shots.
- Each half-swing number sits clearly below the full-swing number for the same club.
- You can look at a yardage between 40 and 125 yards and pick a club and swing length without hesitation.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Start with one wedge and record only full and hip-to-hip carry before adding other clubs.
Harder: Add a third swing length between half and full, and test your numbers into the wind or from a slightly imperfect lie.
Common questions
How far should I hit a half-swing wedge?
There is no standard number, because it depends on your club, loft and speed. Measure your own hip-to-hip carry, and expect it to be well short of your full-swing carry.
How often should I update my wedge chart?
Check it at the start of each season or whenever you change a wedge. Re-test it if your swing speed or contact changes noticeably.
