Long, booming drives are an impressive part of golf, and get you in good position for subsequent shots, but scoring is accomplished around the green. Every golfer ends up in a greenside bunker from time to time or in range for a short chip. The ability to use your sand wedge effectively in either situation will help shave strokes from your score. The sand wedge is an iron with the highest loft of any club in your bag, which should enable you to produce enough spin to land the ball softly and leave it close to the hole.
From the Fairway or Fringe
Step 1
Rotate the clubface so it is open on your backswing and enables you to hit the sand wedge properly. Lay a club on the ground with the grip between your feet so the head is away from you.
Step 2
Position the head 1 foot behind the golf ball, toward your back foot. Insert a tee into the ground to prop up the club head so the toe of the club points straight up.
Step 3
Swing your club normally and stop when your club reaches the club on the ground. If the two clubfaces match, you’re opening your club on the correct path for a successful sand wedge shot.
Step 4
Concentrate on your follow-through and not on the ball action when chipping or pitching with your sand wedge from the fringe or fairway. Let the clubface do its job to get the ball in the air.
Step 5
Judge your distance and decide what percentage of a full shot you need to get close to the pin and follow through that much. As an example, follow through to 80 percent of your normal full swing for a distance that only requires 80 percent power to get close to the hole.
Step 6
Focus on the back of the ball in your downswing, and hit it before you make contact with the grass to create backspin on the ball.
From the Sand
Step 1
Open your stance so your left foot is aimed to the left of your target if you’re right handed. Aim your right foot to the right if you’re a lefty.
Step 2
Focus on a spot that is roughly the length of a credit card behind the golf ball. Swing the sand wedge, making contact with the spot in the sand you were watching.
Step 3
Swing through the sand with about 80 percent power, without hitting the ball at all. The sand will scoop the ball up and into the air. Follow through as you would for a regular iron shot.
Tips and Warnings
- Practice your sand wedge shots regularly at the practice range to learn how to judge distances and swing power accurately.
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