Wedges!!!

[uga_dawg62]

Ok, guys... I'm a novice golfer (only been at it a little over a year). I have improved my game by leaps and bounds since when I first started through frequent practice.

But here's my problem. I can get a good drive off of the tee on a par 4 and end up around the green or within reasonable PW/9 iron distance, hopefully, being able to reach the green in two. The problem arises when I pull out my PW and go for that shot. (Let it be known that I use a $100 set of Wal-mart clubs that I bought to see if I like the game; They're Knight I think.)

My chips and shots with my PW are sooooo inconsistent. Most of the time I'm smoking the ball way past and over the green. Is it that my PW is not the best quality, or is it that my game is not the best quality.

The reason I am asking is that someone told me that the cheaper PW's are made for 100 yd. full swing shots and not for chipping. Said that if I go buy and good, used wedge (i.e. cleveland, callaway), I would improve my game immediately.

Thank you.

[Quinn07]

It's more than likely your chipping technique. The quickest way to improve in the game of golf is developing a good short game. There are plenty of good books and videos out there that would provide some insight as to proper technique.

[melraid]

I agree. We all try buying a better game, with new equipment, but you have to practice. Make sure you are using the proper fundamentals, and then practice, practice, practice.

mel

[Fourputt]

  uga_dawg62 said:

Ok, guys... I'm a novice golfer (only been at it a little over a year). I have improved my game by leaps and bounds since when I first started through frequent practice.

A short game lesson to learn the correct fundamentals will take you farther than anything else. Good technique will work with bad clubs better than good clubs will work with bad technique. Develop good short game fundamentals before you spend money on clubs, then you can look for something that works with your game and feel.

One more comment... keep your clubs clean. I see more beginners with grass and dirt caked on the faces of the their irons, then they wonder why they can't hit consistent shots with them.

[blkdiamond]

For the longest time I struggled, like you with getting the ball on the green from within 50 yards. I would either hit it fat and leave the ball 10 yards off, or hit a line-drive well past the green. Depending on the lie, distance, etc. your pw might not be the best choice to hit with. I used to play with the mentality that the closer I got to the green, the higher lofted clubs were necessary until I got on the green. Within 30 yards, I now use a 5 - 7 iron, choked down, with a putter grip and a little bump-n-run, which is a much safer shot.

[uga_dawg62]

Thanks for the responses. I appreciate it. Looks like some more practice is what I need. I just need to work on getting under the ball? I've been practicing trying to make the club "ski" across the grass as I hit it. Read an article that said to put a coin behind the ball, open the clubface up and ski the club across the grass taking the coin and the ball with it. We'll see if that works.

Thanks again.

[Quinn07]

I would have to agree that a short game lesson would be you best way to start. Learn the fundamentals from a pro and once you are sound with those, then get into books and learn different techniques.