As a Division I golfer turned game improvement editor, I’ve had the opportunity to watch the world’s top players in action. Observing them firsthand has provided invaluable insight into what separates good players from great players —and it’s not just their mastery of the fundamentals or how dialed they are around the green.
The best players in the world have learned which shots give them the most control on the course and have perfected them. One shot that always stands out is the flighted wedge. This lower trajectory shot allows players to attack pins with pinpoint precision. Recently, I was reminded of its importance.
While playing in an alternate-shot event with my dad — a solid player in his own right — I noticed he was hitting high wedges into the green. Curious, I asked why he opted for a higher trajectory shot, especially with the wind swirling. He explained that, as a mostly self-taught player, this was the only way he knew to hit his wedges into the green.
This highlighted one of golf’s biggest principles: there is always room to improve your game. Flighted wedges aren’t just reserved for tour pros. Just like most things in golf, it’s a skill that can be honed with a little guidance and practice. With a few setup keys from GOLF Teacher to Watch, Parker McLachlin, you can boost your control and consistency from these crucial scoring distances.
How to flight your wedges
To flight your wedges, Parker McLachlin — also known as Short Game Chef — says you only need to remember two setup keys: weight forward and ball position forward.
Playing the ball forward in your stance may be a surprising adjustment, as many players instinctively move the ball back to promote ball-first contact and a downward angle of attack. However, with your weight forward, a backward ball position can actually create too much shaft lean and an angle of attack that’s too steep, which sometimes looks and feels like a chopping motion. This often leads to thinned or chunked shots, inconsistent spin and even reduced clubface stability.
“I don’t wanna go ball position back and weight forward,” McLachlin says, “I want to go ball position just forward of center and I’m going to get my weight just slightly forward as well.”
With these simple setup adjustments, McLachlin says you’ll naturally create a controlled, downward angle of attack and make more consistent contact — both of which are essential for producing the flighted wedge shot you see the pros use week after week.
ShortGameChef.com, created by PGA Tour winner Parker McLachlin, provides golfers with a comprehensive resource to improve their short game. Through personalized tips, drills, and expert insights, Parker helps players of all levels gain more confidence and a deeper understanding of their short game to lower their scores. You can browse membership options here.
