Welcome to Play Smart, a regular GOLF.com game-improvement column that will help you become a smarter, better golfer.
One of the best ways to shoot lower scores is by taking advantage of your scoring clubs. Whether it’s knocking your approach close with a wedge on a par-5 or getting up and down to save par when you miss a green, having a strong wedge game is crucial for scoring.
When you get in this wedge range, precision is key. If you miss your number by 5 yards, it can be the difference between rolling in a birdie and settling for par, so it’s essential that you know how to control distance with your wedges.
There are competing theories about the best practice for controlling these distances. Some rely on feel while others are much more regimented — but which is optimal?
In the video below from our Top 100 Teacher Summit last winter at Cabot Citrus Farms, GOLF Teacher to Watch Parker McLachlin — a.k.a. the Short Game Chef — explains when he thinks you should use feel and yardage with a wedge in your hands.
Feel vs. yardage — which is better?
When it comes to using feel or relying strictly on yardage, McLachlin says he keeps it simple. Inside of 30 yards, he relies on feel, while outside that number, he gets a little more regimented.
“One you get to around 30 [yards], that’s when I really want you to know your number,” McLachlin says. “And what I mean by know your number is know your carry number.”
One big mistake McLachlin sees amateur golfers make is that they get the number to the flagstick and then use that as their target number. However, usually you want to land it a little bit shorter than that to account for bounces and roll out.
“You’ve got to think about where you’re going to land the ball,” McLachlin says. “And then you train that to understand what it feels like.”
One popular method for training the feels of different distances with the wedges is using a “clock” method. If you opt to do this, though, it’s important that you think of the shaft — not your lead arm — as the arm of the clock.
Once you get those feels down, you can dial in your distances on the range and know exactly how far you need to take the club back to hit your carry numbers.
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.
