2.98 PAR-3 SCORING AVERAGE (RANKED FIFTH)
WEDGE PLAY YOU NEED OPTIONS ON SHORT SHOTS – BUT DON’T OVERCOMPLICATE IT I don’t want to brush past advice on full-swing irons without mentioning that my strategy with them is to pick the shot I’m most comfortable hitting, regardless of pin position. I don’t like to shape shots if I don’t have to. I really don’t have anything to demonstrate for you with irons – just play to your strengths instead of trying to execute stuff you don’t feel comfortable with. When it comes to hitting approaches with wedges, however, you do need to switch it up a bit depending on the pin location. To keep it simple, have two wedge options. The first is a lower-trajectory shot with spin for middle- to-back pins. The other is a higher, deader shot for front pins, especially ones where you have to carry a bunker or something. To hit a low checker, play it no further forward than middle in your stance and make a smooth swing with a restricted follow-through like this ( above, left ). To hit a higher, softer shot, play it slightly further forward than centre and make a full swing that ends with the club finishing more around your body instead of in front of it (above, right). The fuller finish puts more loft on the ball. Having two options keeps it simple, but it also improves your chance at a makeable putting opportunity.
54 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
MAY 2026
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator