Short Game · Lesson
Hit a Low, Flighted Wedge
Part of our short game programs for thin or bladed, high, soft shots. Build a program with it
A normal wedge flies high and soft. That's great until the wind blows. A flighted wedge flies lower and holds its line. Move the ball an inch or two back of center. Set your hands a little ahead. Grip down an inch or two for control. Then make a short, punchy finish with your hands staying low. That keeps the face from turning over. Swing smoothly. Think solid contact, not effort.
Step by step
- Ball an inch or two back of center.
- Hands slightly ahead.
- Grip down a little.
- Finish short and low.
- Swing smoothly and strike it clean.
Why it works
Moving the ball back and the hands ahead delofts the face at impact, so the ball launches lower. A lower launch with less spin loft means the ball spends less time in the air and is less affected by wind. Gripping down shortens the club, which helps you strike the center of the face, and a short, low finish keeps the face from rolling shut.
Common mistakes
- You move the ball back but leave your hands level with the ball or behind it.Set your hands slightly ahead of the ball at address and keep them there through impact.
- You swing harder to make up for the lower flight.Keep the swing smooth and at a normal wedge tempo, and focus on clean contact.
- You flip your wrists through impact and finish high, which sends the ball up again.Finish short with your hands low and the clubhead below your hands.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball starts lower than your normal wedge and holds its line in a breeze.
- You make ball-first contact, with a shallow divot starting just after the ball.
- The ball does not balloon, and the face does not turn over left at the finish.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice with a half swing on a calm day and a target about 40 yards away, so you only have to learn the setup and the short finish.
Harder: Hit the shot into a crosswind or to a smaller target, or vary your grip-down length to control the distance of each shot.
Common questions
How far back should I play the ball for a low wedge shot?
Play it an inch or two back of center. Any further back tends to produce a steep, digging strike.
Why does my low wedge shot still balloon?
Usually your hands are not ahead of the ball at impact, or you flip the wrists and finish high. Set your hands ahead and finish short and low.
