If you watched the FedEx Cup finals, you may remember Scottie Scheffler’s astonishing putt from the bunker on the eighth hole. Although it was a rare moment, it reminded us all that professionals are human too. The bunker or wedge shot is likely something you’ve come across all too often in your game. If wedge shafts are ruining your scorecard, you’re not alone. Here are three simple tips to make sure you get rid of fungus for good.
Maintain a more vertical swing path
One of the main causes of a tight wedge is swinging the club too flat. For many players, this feels and looks like a club going in as the first off the ball. Once the club is so far in, it’s hard to get it back on the plane.
This exaggerated outside-in path on the downswing leaves the hosel as the first point of contact instead of the clubface.
The result is an ugly fiddle.
You’ll notice this not only on bunker shots, but with any wedge shot around the green. Players have a tendency to do it more often when they do a half swing.
How to fix
To fix the problem, focus on creating a straighter or more vertical swing path on these shorter shots. You will imagine the club moving more up and down than around. This move won’t be great for full-motion shots with more body twist, but for short ones it works pretty well.
With a more vertical swing path, the chance of you hitting the clubface instead of the club is greatly improved.
Exercise to try
If you want some thought to help clarify this concept, consider swinging a golf club with a wall behind you. You will hit the wall if you swing the club too far in as your first swing. You can also put a head cover or a layup club on that inside path and make sure you don’t let the club hit it.
For players who frequently swing their wedges, the vertical movement may seem extreme at first. Practice it on the range and then take it with you to the course.
Proper posture and setup
Poor organization is a bigger problem than most amateur players want to believe. With tight wedges, we often see golfers who have their hands too close to the body with a straight stance.
The problem with ball stacking is that you’ll feel like you can’t square the clubhead through impact. There just isn’t enough room. With the right stance, you can pass the ball with a square face.
How to fix
An open stance with your short game shots is often the best approach. For right-handed players, place your feet slightly to the left of your target. The ball will feel like it’s in the middle or slightly forward of your stance.
Keep some weight on your lead foot and your hands in line with the golf ball. Do not push your hands too far forward.
Now take some practice swings and make sure you have enough room to swing and swing the club.
You will want to avoid reaching the ball as this can create other problems. Even the pros are close to the ball when hitting short shots, but they always have room to swing and spin the clubface.
Exercise to try
While you’re working on your distance from the ball, try to imagine your hands directly under your chin. You’ll have some space between your legs, but you won’t be able to reach the ball either. When you practice, make sure you step away from the ball every time so you learn to naturally get into the right spot when you’re on the course.
Maintain balance and good body movement
Wedge shots can also result from poor balance or lack of body involvement in the short game. When your body doesn’t rotate properly and you lean on your arms and hands, the club can go off target.
The biggest problem you will find with poor body movement and wedge tightness is inconsistency. It won’t be just the wings. You’ll hit a left, a right, smash, etc. Incorporate the body and this discrepancy will disappear.
How to fix
Focus on staying more connected throughout the swing. Your shoulders should roll and allow your arms, hands and body to move together. You can still keep your weight slightly forward and stay centered. To avoid shaking, be sure to include some body rotation.
Exercise to try
Instead of a workout for this, try doing some swings with The Connector. It’s a training tool that keeps your hands and arms connected to your upper body while you practice. You can use this for full swing shots, but it works well around the greens to set the arms.
When you work with CONNECTORyou should also find it easier to compress the ball and make clean contact. Start with a pitching wedge or sand and then experiment with it throughout your game.
Final thoughts
when you are worried about the fiddledoes not waver with the same confidence. Use these tips and never let the thought of a tight wedge cross your mind again.
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