Jump to content
IGNORED

Full Sand Wedge

TourSpoon
 Share
Note: This thread is 4886 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Recommended Posts

TourSpoon Super Member

TourSpoon

Lately, I have been laying up to the 115-125 yard range so that I can hit a 3/4 - full pitching wedge. I have no problem hitting these shots with my blade pw and love hitting the low flying knock-down from the 105-115 range (hit this one twice the other day to 10-15 feet). My problem is that at the 85-105 range I am having an issue with my 54 degree sand wedge (less issues with the 60 from 70-85). I know that this is mostly mental but it is really bugging me as I am starting to lose confidence with this club. I do all those things that I can think of...slightly open, 2 balls right of center, hands slightly ahead, weight favors the left side, etc. I went to the range yesterday and improved when I loosened the stranglehold I had on the grip and relaxed my arms. I am thinking that the tension was taking the swing out of my move and probably made it more of a lift, through and lift. Oh, and yes, I realize that the 100 yard SW is not a 100% swing, but more like 85% with solid contact being key.


What are some thoughts or tips that you use when you need to hit the 100 yard SW money shot?

Cobra LTDx 10.5* | Big Tour 15.5*| Rad Tour 18.5*  | Titleist U500 4-23* | T100 5-P | Vokey SM7 50/8* F, 54/10* S, SM8 58/10* S | Scotty Cameron Squareback No. 1 | Vice Pro Plus  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

saevel25 Incredible Member

saevel25

Learn to hit your PW lighter. I found that i am way more accurate hitting a lower softer pitching wedge than a full sandwege.

Matt Dougherty, P.E.
 fasdfa dfdsaf 

What's in My Bag
Driver; :pxg: 0311 Gen 5,  3-Wood: :titleist: 917h3 ,  Hybrid:  :titleist: 915 2-Hybrid,  Irons: Sub 70 TAIII Fordged
Wedges: :edel: (52, 56, 60),  Putter: :edel:,  Ball: :snell: MTB,  Shoe: :true_linkswear:,  Rangfinder: :leupold:
Bag: :ping:

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

jamo Incredible Member

jamo

I'm sort of in the same boat as the OP. Last year shots from 85-125 were my specialty, this year I just feel lost. I am making good contact but just not getting the distance right, and I find myself over a lit of greens.

In my bag:

Driver: Titleist TSi3 | 15º 3-Wood: Ping G410 | 17º 2-Hybrid: Ping G410 | 19º 3-Iron: TaylorMade GAPR Lo |4-PW Irons: Nike VR Pro Combo | 54º SW, 60º LW: Titleist Vokey SM8 | Putter: Odyssey Toulon Las Vegas H7

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1
1

TourSpoon Super Member

TourSpoon

  • Author
I'm sort of in the same boat as the OP. Last year shots from 85-125 were my specialty, this year I just feel lost. I am making good contact but just not getting the distance right, and I find myself over a lit of greens.

Yes, this is what I am talking about except that it is mostly the 85-105 yard range. I know that it is mental more than anything.

Cobra LTDx 10.5* | Big Tour 15.5*| Rad Tour 18.5*  | Titleist U500 4-23* | T100 5-P | Vokey SM7 50/8* F, 54/10* S, SM8 58/10* S | Scotty Cameron Squareback No. 1 | Vice Pro Plus  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator
TN94z Super Member

TN94z

  • Moderator
Lately, I have been laying up to the 115-125 yard range so that I can hit a 3/4 - full pitching wedge. I have no problem hitting these shots with my blade pw and love hitting the low flying knock-down from the 105-115 range (hit this one twice the other day to 10-15 feet). My problem is that at the 85-105 range I am having an issue with my 54 degree sand wedge (less issues with the 60 from 70-85). I know that this is mostly mental but it is really bugging me as I am starting to lose confidence with this club. I do all those things that I can think of...slightly open, 2 balls right of center, hands slightly ahead, weight favors the left side, etc. I went to the range yesterday and improved when I loosened the stranglehold I had on the grip and relaxed my arms. I am thinking that the tension was taking the swing out of my move and probably made it more of a lift, through and lift. Oh, and yes, I realize that the 100 yard SW is not a 100% swing, but more like 85% with solid contact being key.

I used to have this same issue with my 56* and I found that I had started doing 2 things out of the ordinary. The first was that I got into a groove of swinging the club too aggressively. I smoothed that out and started to see much better contact and distance control. The second thing I noticed was that my swing with the shorter irons got a little flat for whatever reason. All I had to do there was concentrate on getting a little steeper and it worked out. I am sure you have thought about these but I feel very confident in my 56* after those things. One more thing I did was making sure that I got a full chest turn. I had slowly gotten away from a full chest turn and that hindered my distance.

Bryan A
"Your desire to change must be greater than your desire to stay the same"

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1
1
1

TourSpoon Super Member

TourSpoon

  • Author
I used to have this same issue with my 56* and I found that I had started doing 2 things out of the ordinary. The first was that I got into a groove of swinging the club too aggressively. I smoothed that out and started to see much better contact and distance control. The second thing I noticed was that my swing with the shorter irons got a little flat for whatever reason. All I had to do there was concentrate on getting a little steeper and it worked out. I am sure you have thought about these but I feel very confident in my 56* after those things.

Thanks...great points.

Cobra LTDx 10.5* | Big Tour 15.5*| Rad Tour 18.5*  | Titleist U500 4-23* | T100 5-P | Vokey SM7 50/8* F, 54/10* S, SM8 58/10* S | Scotty Cameron Squareback No. 1 | Vice Pro Plus  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

JML22 Great Member

JML22

i'd probaly rather hit back to 85-100 than hit from 30-50 lol

My Clubs:
Ping I3 + blade 3-pw
9.5 09 Burner with prolaunch red
Nickent 4dx driver
Taylormade Z tp 52, 56, 60
YES Carolyne putter

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Varsity_Golf Well Established Member

Varsity_Golf

Learn to hit your PW lighter. I found that i am way more accurate hitting a lower softer pitching wedge than a full sandwege.

x2. I CAN hit my sandwedge 100 yds, but I don't like the feel, and know that a half-three quarters swing will put me in a good place for that distance.

A four foot putt to win never gets any less terrifying.
-David Feherty
 
If I ever get happy with myself for finishing 12th or 15th, someone needs to put my clubs away and I'll take up tiddlywinks.
-Ian Poulter
Link to comment
Share on other sites

tterrag Established Member

tterrag

Lately, I have been laying up to the 115-125 yard range so that I can hit a 3/4 - full pitching wedge. I have no problem hitting these shots with my blade pw and love hitting the low flying knock-down from the 105-115 range (hit this one twice the other day to 10-15 feet). My problem is that at the 85-105 range I am having an issue with my 54 degree sand wedge (less issues with the 60 from 70-85). I know that this is mostly mental but it is really bugging me as I am starting to lose confidence with this club. I do all those things that I can think of...slightly open, 2 balls right of center, hands slightly ahead, weight favors the left side, etc. I went to the range yesterday and improved when I loosened the stranglehold I had on the grip and relaxed my arms. I am thinking that the tension was taking the swing out of my move and probably made it more of a lift, through and lift. Oh, and yes, I realize that the 100 yard SW is not a 100% swing, but more like 85% with solid contact being key.

Could you tell us what your miss is? Fat, thin, blocked, etc. When you say two balls back of middle, I personally think that may be too far back. Also, I go 60% left, 40% right when referring to weight distribution on shots from 60 yards and in, not 105-115. You may have too much weight on your front leg. Since you are trying to hit precise, smoother shots with your wedge, you will definitely need to have a relaxed grip pressure.

Driver: 909 D3
3 Wood: 909 F3 13
Rescue: 909 17
Irons: AP2 3-PW
Wedges 58 degree and 52 Spin Milled (oil can) Newport 2(custom shop):taylormade: TP Penta 4-Under Golf Bag (Red/White)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

TourSpoon Super Member

TourSpoon

  • Author
Good questions...it is mainly getting the distance. The misses would be short or short right with what appears to be decent contact (not fat nor thin). Two balls meaning I would be playing the second ball which could be a bit too much. Now that I think of the weight, it is closer to 50/50 on the longer shots. Yesterday I was hitting it at the range @ 98 yds and I had the ball back in the stance. The not turning (see TN94Z's post) could be the culprit due to tension and lack of confidence.

Cobra LTDx 10.5* | Big Tour 15.5*| Rad Tour 18.5*  | Titleist U500 4-23* | T100 5-P | Vokey SM7 50/8* F, 54/10* S, SM8 58/10* S | Scotty Cameron Squareback No. 1 | Vice Pro Plus  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

tterrag Established Member

tterrag

Make sure you keep your spine angle through impact. You may be looking up and flaring your wedges.

Driver: 909 D3
3 Wood: 909 F3 13
Rescue: 909 17
Irons: AP2 3-PW
Wedges 58 degree and 52 Spin Milled (oil can) Newport 2(custom shop):taylormade: TP Penta 4-Under Golf Bag (Red/White)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

TourSpoon Super Member

TourSpoon

  • Author
Another good suggestion. It could be something as simple as that...coming out of the shot eager to see the results. Thanks.

Cobra LTDx 10.5* | Big Tour 15.5*| Rad Tour 18.5*  | Titleist U500 4-23* | T100 5-P | Vokey SM7 50/8* F, 54/10* S, SM8 58/10* S | Scotty Cameron Squareback No. 1 | Vice Pro Plus  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

danieldrieberg Dedicated Member

danieldrieberg

wedge play has a lot of options----Coming out of a shot is the same as the soft arm high pitch. The fanned open high finish will result in a high shot, with less spin.
Or you can finish low and crisp and results will be a low trajectory shot with some stopping power. A low finish turned over will be a runner.

When at the range try different techniques. It's kinda fun and useful on the course. My round today I pulled a 60* for a 50 yard shot. The green was sloping to me.
With the ball slightly back and some extra forward shaft lean in the shot I hit the ball crisply. Result was a ball trajectory that was no more 10-12 feet high but bounced once and stopped dead. You can shoot right at the pin in this situation. A little practice and the shot is in my bag. Had another 50 yard shot where there was a pond between the ball and a short sided pin. This shot was a dead (soft arm) 60 * wedge with a high open finish. Results were a high floater that plops down.

A little practice and imagination will result in a wedge game that will be a source of fun rather than stress. What's really neat is if you can find a suitable area and a shag bag this practice can be free. Just your time invested.

9* Geek No Brainer with red Stiff Gallofory shaft
15* R5 3 wood with Burner shaft
21* 24* Nike CPR hybrid Aldila by you shaft
5-pw Titleist 680 cb irons-SK Fiber graphite shafts
52*, 56*,60* Reid Lockhart Dual Bounce spinner shaftScotty Cameron Newport MidSlant with Tiger Shark GripTM LDP Red balls---used because I'm...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

double_j Dedicated Member

double_j

I love the 3/4 shot as well - my money makers tend to be the 75 yard sand wedge, the 95 yard gap, or the 110 yard pitching wedge. When I miss the way you're describing it generally means that I'm getting too 'armsy' with the swing (almost like I was taking it too casually).

Back of the stance is fine (helps promote a lower trajectory with nice spin for me) - just make sure that you come through it at impact. Keep the big muscles involved, use the length of your backswing to control distance, and rifle down and through the ball to ensure a nice crisp contact (nothing feels better than taking a clean divot on a 50 yard punch). And stay down!
Link to comment
Share on other sites

TourSpoon Super Member

TourSpoon

  • Author
Alright, keep it coming. Good discussion so far.

Cobra LTDx 10.5* | Big Tour 15.5*| Rad Tour 18.5*  | Titleist U500 4-23* | T100 5-P | Vokey SM7 50/8* F, 54/10* S, SM8 58/10* S | Scotty Cameron Squareback No. 1 | Vice Pro Plus  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

eaglecc Member

eaglecc

I had a problem with my wedge shots this year as well. I caught up with a pro on a course, when I explained to him what was going on he told me to pull a wedge out of my bag and take a practice swing. He said right away the problem was in my back swing, it was way too quick. I slowed down my back swing and I am hitting wedge shots better than ever.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

TourSpoon Super Member

TourSpoon

  • Author
Played today and hit 2 100 yard shots stiff...just stayed relaxed and made a full swing at 85%. Now gotta work on that 75 yard shot...always something!

Cobra LTDx 10.5* | Big Tour 15.5*| Rad Tour 18.5*  | Titleist U500 4-23* | T100 5-P | Vokey SM7 50/8* F, 54/10* S, SM8 58/10* S | Scotty Cameron Squareback No. 1 | Vice Pro Plus  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

MMouse Well Established Member

MMouse

I play the ball back in my stance on my wedges. I've found that this has gotten rid of any thin shots. I've hit some a little fatter than I would like, but my wedges usually bail me out and make it a half decent shot.
I feel as though I can attack the ball more aggressively with the ball back in my stance.

In my bag:

Nike SQ DYMO 10.5
Big Bertha 3 Wood
Big Bertha 3-10 IADAMS Tom Watson Classic 54,58 and 64 Wedges Nike Oz 5 Putter/Wilson Staff ( not sure model, bought it in second hand store ) Ball: Bridgestone E6

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Note: This thread is 4886 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up

  • TST Partners

    TourStriker PlaneMate
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-15%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope.

  • Popular Now

  • Posts

    • p1n9183
      Gained a Lot of Club Speed in a Couple of Days With the Same Effort. Try This Out!

      By p1n9183 ·

      Even on a perfect center hit I was receiving at most 1.48 smash factor. 10 days ago on the warming up for a round my Driver made a weird sound, I checked the bottom and it was cracked. Don't know for how long it was cracked but at least this time the crack was easy visible. Maybe it was already cracked before but with a more subtle crack?.. don't know. I'm waiting for TaylorMade to approve the warranty and send me a new head. I was using the Stealth Plus, I will take the opportunity and upgrade it to the Qi10 LS paying the difference.  On Sunday with my old Titleist 915 and softer balls I was reaching 1.5, even 1.51 on center hits. Test didn't went well. Only gained 2..3 miles, not worth pursuing. Figured out that with a ball and with a target, my path was way to in to out with this new idea, so in order to move the club in the correct path I needed to slow down to redirect the club on the downswing or aim more to the right, close the face a play a big hook.. not possible. I already play a big draw with Driver, more curvature is unplayable. Yesterday at home, with no ball messed around with a more neutral path, even swinging a little out to in. It felt a lot more in sync with the body. With a big in to out path it feels like my hands are working right, away from the body, when the body is working to rotate to the left. With the path to the left is was easier to apply force thru the hitting zone.  As always tested 10 swings with my current swing (A), and 10 with this little out to in path(B).  The difference was huge, like 12 miles faster with swing (B). I knew something wasn't right. The fact was that the PRGR was aligned more in line with the (B) path so it of course was giving higher speeds. I proceeded to align it with the (A) path and tested again 5 more swings each. Again (B) was faster but only by 5 miles. (Made a tiny experiment moving the PRGR to a more extreme in to out path and the swings register 25/30% slower for both swings, so it wasn't reading properly at that angle) Finally I moved the PRGR in the middle of both paths, and this time (B) won by 9 miles. Off course, this was without a ball and a target so.. I will be hitting the range tomorrow to see the real difference.            
    • coachjimsc
      Wordle Daily Puzzle

      By coachjimsc ·

      Wordle 1,032 3/6 ⬜🟨⬜🟨⬜ ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 😲
    • klineka
      What'd You Shoot Today?

      By klineka ·

      At Bent Tree, right? I'm surprised the greens were that slow. I played right around the corner at Northstar and their greens were normal speed. Slightly soft/receptive but not overly so and not slow or shaggy by any means.
    • DeadMan
      Wordle Daily Puzzle

      By DeadMan ·

      Wordle 1,032 4/6 🟩⬜🟩⬜⬜ 🟩🟨🟩⬜🟩 🟩⬜🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
    • iacas
      Wordle Daily Puzzle

      By iacas ·

      Wordle 1,032 5/6* ⬛🟨⬛🟨⬛ 🟩⬛🟩⬛⬛ 🟩⬛🟩⬛⬛ 🟩🟩🟩🟨⬛ 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

  I accept
The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...