How to Tackle the 40-60 Yard Approach Shot

Reading Erik's comments that it's a mistake to lay up for your "money shot" full wedge approach shot (for me, its always been a full swing 54° from around 85 yds out) - which is how I've structured my entire golf game to date  :-(

So, now it appears it would be in my best interest to rethink my strategy and get better at hitting the 40-60 yard half swing approach shots.    Obviously, there are a lot of options as to how we approach these shots - could hit an easy PW or a more lofted wedge, or even run it up with an 8i.

So then, in simplest, most generic terms (taking out all the myriad of variables ... lets say a perfect flat fairway lie, pin dead center in the green, no bunkers in the way, green is nice and flat) ... what club would you use to approach this shot from 40-60 yds ?

Thx

I am going to use my 9i, 8i, or 7i, (40, 50 and 60 yards) and run the ball the ball up to the pin. Since nothing is in the way, I want the ball flying less, and rolling more for distance control, and accuracy. From prior experience,  I know which clubs, and a 1/2 swing will do for me for the 40-60 yard spread you mentioned..  Sometimes the ball even goes in from those distances.

My "full swing" pitch goes about 55 yards so that's what I would do.

I like a 3/4 to half swing 60 deg for those distances.

OR

Fluff first shot 10 yards along ground.

Top second shot 30 yards past green.

Finally hit the shot I meant to play first time! :-)

It depends on how much green I have.   A simple majority of times, it's a 1/2 to 3/4 shot with lob, sand, or gap wedge.   If I have lots of green to work with, PW to 7i.  For all shots, I avoid rough and try to land a ball on green.

I agree with this.  Depends upon where the pin is compared to the front/back/edges of the green and what troubles are around the green.  Maybe to some extent just how well I'm playing that day can have an influences too.

It depends.

Two seasons ago I was in between careers, and worked part time at my course as a pro-shop attendant. Read this to mean that I played quite often - dropping my index from 20 to 13. During that period, I could hit several different shots with a 50* PING iWedge. I had that "feel" we all talk about.

This past season I was full-time gainfully employed again; didn't play too often and the index creeped back up a little. I did not have that feel anymore, had new clubs in play, etc. That 1/2 50* option wasn't available.

Reacting to that, I used the bump and run more often. I figured the smaller the swing the better, and it worked out.

I recognize this as a Band-Aid though. Pursuit of key four with little swings will likely yield that feel once again. IMHO - players need a go-to chip (bump & run) as well as a pitch (50yd) that can carry trouble, etc.

Yes, absolutely.  I haven't read the book, but I learned to play it this way many years ago.  I treat it like any other "touch" shot.  I pick the spot where I want to land the ball, then I try to make the swing that will land the ball on that spot, using the club and trajectory that will give me the release that I hope for.  Hitting my target from that distance, and getting just the release I want is somewhat chancy, considering the state of my game these days.  I know from past experience what I want to do, and I know that with the opportunity for regular play I have the ability to make those shots within about 10 feet at least 25% the time, and to at least get within possible one putt range (about 20 feet) about 75% of the time.  And about 75% of the time I'll be using my 51° gap wedge, moving the ball forward or back to change trajectory.

The only qualifier would be if I'm regularly shortsiding myself.  Then the percentages go way down, but I will still be on the green more often than not, because I usually accept my situation and try to make sure I reach the green, rather than being too cute and dropping the ball short by trying to make the perfect shot.

Currently I'm using full swing lob wedge for 40-45 yards, 50 - 60 is usually a 1/2 swing sand wedge.

My "full" lob wedge, I found whether I swing at perceived 100% or 80% they go pretty much the same distance so I just swing at 80%.  Full swing, i.e. full backswing, but just 80% perceived speed.

Kind of like how you drive the ball by hitting it with a baseball bat?