Controlling the distance on your wedges...

By Michel de Jong Vázquez

Controlling the distance on your wedges will give you more achievable putts (birdie or par) and help you avoid three putts and tough chips. You really need to work out this skill the most at the driving range!

Characteristics of a touring pro wedge shot

• A tour pro will swing with the same tempo each time and let the backswing length and wedge selection determine the distance. You can use the 3 x 4 system explained in the Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible: “3 swings times 4 wedges (loft: 51°, 55°, 60° and 64°) equals 12 distances”. In this system, the backswing lengths are based on the clock face, with hand positions at 7:30, 9:00, and 10:30. You can add 12 more distances by gripping down on the shaft about 4 to 5 inches.
• Theoretically, for a wedge shot, the swing ratio* will vary depending on the length of the backswing. Since it can be difficult to remember so many different tempos, in practice many pros memorize only one tempo for all their wedge shots with a swing ratio that varies between 2.1:1 and 2.4:1. As they can count on the same tempo with every short game shot, they reduce the complexity of the puzzle by half. By using this swing ratio you will get the feeling of an aggressive but not hard acceleration through the ball.
• A correct swing motion: leave your hands out of the swing and execute a synchronised backswing (there is no coil, hips and shoulders stay in sync) with wrists fully cocked and a complete follow-through. Dave Pelz calls it a Dead Hands Finesse Swing. It might take a lot of practice to become skilful with this swing, but it'll be worth the effort. 
  See: http://www.golf.com/instruction/dead-hands-swing and http://www.amazon.com/Dave-Pelzs-Short-Game-Bible/dp/0767903447/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394959619&sr=1-1&keywords=dave+pelz+short+game+bible
  
• The setup and alignment of the body are crucial.

*The "swing ratio" refers to the ratio of the measured time in seconds it takes to make the backswing, to the measured time in seconds it takes to make the downswing until impact.

Calibrating

At the driving range: Once you have mastered the finesse swing with a constant tempo and a swing ratio between 2.1:1 and 2.4:1, you need to know exactly what distance a natural unforced 10:30 wedge shot goes for you and practice that shot. Do the same for 9:00 and 7:30 wedge shots. Write and tape upside down on the shaft of your wedges your 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30 distances. So, you will be able to read them while holding the club and ensure that you have the right club for your next shot. I recommend that you only write down your carry yardages.

Before playing a round, you need to calibrate your wedge shots to the today’s weather conditions (do not forget that the ball will fly less far at cooler temperatures).

Before making a wedge shot during the round, you have to estimate the distance between the ball and the hole in order to know which wedge shot to use in the 3 x 4 system. Do not forget to adjust the distances written in your shafts with the today’s weather conditions, the slope...

Notes:

- The feedback you get from this system is what develops your feel.

- Your wedges should perform the same way whether you use them on the course or in the practice area. Therefore, keep your grooves clean to spin the ball as much as possible during practice and on the course.

Video

Follow this instruction video from Kirk Junge along with Mobile golf Tempo App to master the distance control inside 100 yards: