The Biggest Mistake Amateurs Make With Wedges (GOLF WEDGE TIPS)

[@caffeinecreation]

I just started getting into golf after attempting to play 18 holes with my fiancé, I say attempted because I really wasn’t any good. I’ve only ever played “whack-shit” and hope for the best during corporate golf events. These last few days I spent hours watching your videos and yesterday went to the driving range. To my absolute surprise I was able to hit straight almost every time and did not miss a single ball. I even had some older gentleman compliment me on my swing. I will be continuing to watch your videos as I learn this game. Thank you for this amazing content!

[@USGOLFTVshow]

This is awesome! Thank you for sharing your story...it made our day. We do our best to provide good solid information for our fellow golfers. Your fiance' is a lucky person!

[@swervinn2214]

you suck 2 man scramble 500$

[@GeoffCK]

Just be aware that hitting off mats is not the same as hitting off natural surface.

[@chrismac3329]

Whack fuck* 🤣

[@Billpv]

Bill living in Williamsburg, VA, at Kingsmill. Golfer for 50 years, 82 years old. Love competition and love your tips. Today I shot 77 from slightly less distance than white tees. After hip replacement surgery i got longer, because i could rotate the lower body again. H.I. 11.3. I have the crosscut wedges you sold me. 60 and 56 are used most every round. The gap wedge may be too heavy for hitting longer yardages. Keep up the good work.

[@louofm1]

Years ago. As a youngster I used to attend the Buick open, A PGA event held in Michigan for decades. Before the round, the pros would often head to the range and hit their clubs for a while. I remember standing near one of the practice greens, watching a pro hit 50 yard wedges, most right next to the flag. The trajectory was low, but the loft of the club was stopping the ball on a dime. At that point, I learned about forward shaft, back in your stance ball placement was the key. A firm and controlled swing is part of the equation. His short swings were effortless and extremely accurate. Since then, this is how I have approached shots using my 56

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Thanks for sharing and adding to the conversation!

[@madisonhall6140]

This is a great advice, you can apply this same mentality to the short irons as well. Too many, players need to learn to hit there 8 and 9 irons like wedges, you'll get more control and more consistency into greens

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Great post here! We agree....

[@vtecboi18]

I just started playing myself started maybe 2 years ago, but I always wondered if I should do that

[@richardsiles8206]

Todd a great help- I kept the ball back or forward and it did not work ineither case. I think you helped this 70 plus florida golfer- was 96 degrees yesterday but I am used to it.

[@johnk.atchley5079]

Be careful of too much forward shaft lean with a wedge. You can lose the benefit of the bounce and have the leading edge dig in. That means you have strike the ball perfectly or else you will hit it fat. If you keep the shaft more centered, with a wedge you can actually hit slightly behind the ball and have the bounce glide the face along the ground under the ball for a nice clean shot. In terms of where to position the ball in your stance, it is important to know where the bottom of your swing is. Placing the ball too far back in the stance, ironically, can cause you to hit the ball thin or with the leading edge because you tend to stay back on the trail foot. For a wedge, you may want to place the ball about one ball forward of the bottom point of your swing, where you see it touches the grass in a practice swing or two.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Solid points made here.

[@slootybooty6988]

Wouldn’t shifting your weight to your forward foot on setup say 70/30 make your low point after the ball?

[@kevinegillan]

Yup...Its killing my rounds right now. In the fairway all day and lay sod over 2 or 3 wedge shots per round.

[@user-qh9qe6qx9c]

This is not my mistake with wedges at all. Actually all my shots have a low trajectory. My wedge issue is inconsistency and not making a good ball strike. I top or skull my wedges many times. I have taken to putting whenever I can, even if I am 25-30 yards off the green

[@RomeoTRM]

I have this same problem

[@thehabs21]

Same

[@skornelsen5717]

Great videos and fantastic explanations.. Will definitely be working on these. 🇨🇦

[@rmarty550]

I really enjoy your golf tips, they are short and to the point, thanks.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

R Marty thank you! We do our best to provide good solid information

[@moPrankster]

Qqqqqq

[@davidmorgan3389]

Great tip. I had already shortened my swing and changed club lofts. But I was uncomfortable with moving it back in my stance. But it can't hurt to try it.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Awesome! Be sure to let us know how it goes. Hope you subscribed 👊

[@jamescarter8421]

It feels odd. But it works ✌️⛳🏌️

[@brexit9279]

Moving the ball back in your stance promotes a steeper down swing which promotes you club digging in to the ground before getting to the ball! BAD BAD BAD

[@jamescarter8421]

@@brexit9279 I was playing too far forward so this did help me .😁✌️⛳🏌️

[@Airbus320lover]

Coach hi, I just came across this video, my question is, what is a the perfect distance to hit my 60 56 52 and PW? As you know I go to the Par 3 a lot since getting back into work after Covid-19. Recently I’ve learnt to use them to approach the green 100 yards and in, off the tee. Now I don’t want to use the tee and build my confidence to approach play. I am going to buy 2 new wedges for Christmas as my 56 and 52 are very old and the grooves are gone. I showed them to my Pro in Dubai and he said look into Vokey.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Hard to say how far each will go. The key is not trying to hit wedge shots too far. Here is a good video that has helped many of our students kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZm9pmh_ZZilpdEsi=7s63yXGCm0GkCRWu

[@cailloubates]

Isn't forward shaft a no no? I heard it increases the chance of fatting the ball. Curious to hear your thoughts on this! Thanks!

[@kevinmaxwell6557]

I just changed my grip from my interlock to a baseball grip based on me being a season older player what are the benefits. It seems like I have more control and more power.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

More control and power are a good upgrade, sounds like you made the right choice! Here is a great article going through types and strengths of grips: usgolftv.com/instruction/proper-golf-grip-technique/ The baseball grip may help if you were finding a loss of power, and changing from an interlock may help you get the grip more in the fingers rather than the palms. Hope the info helps!

[@craigweeke7905]

I use the length of my back swing to determine distance. I know from the practice range and range finder, approximately how far a full pitching wedge, 3/4 wedge, 1/2 wedge and 1/4 wedge carries. I don’t use “strength” or speed of the club to determine how far the ball is going to go.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

This is awesome! Great system...solid post! Thanks for adding to the conversation 👊

[@Swearing0000]

Right out of Dave Pelz’s book

[@bonjovi7120]

You live in a fool’s paradise. Range balls are designed to travel shorter distances. Unless you practice at Butch Harmon’s facities you are hitting rubbish golf balls at your local driving range🤣🤣

[@DennisBrodhecker-ni7zm]

DennyB from Ephrata, PA, Thanks for the refresher.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Our pleasure. If you like this and would enjoy more personal coaching, see here www.badliegolfbook.com/

[@MrGCline]

Todd, as always a great video. The short irons have always been the weakest part of my game. My ball flight is usually a weak high shot that lands short and right of the target. I have also seen this appear in my driver with the same pattern. Do you have another video that might address this problem, or maybe something further in the way of instruction? Keep up the good work. Thanks.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Greg Cline here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnKYh6WMr6qeopI

[@timstickney1401]

These are such great tips! I was so afraid of partial wedge shots, but had to learn them (went to 3 vs 4 wedges). This video worked wonders and now more versatile with wedges. Thank you.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Tim Stickney you got it friend! Appreciate you watching and taking time to comment....more good ideas coming next week. 👊

[@evanbarnett8997]

Hi Todd, great video. What would you say to someone who always opted to use a 9 iron instead of their wedges? Can this selection be justified based on pin location? Thanks

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Evan Barnett good question, if you have lots of green to work with, yes a 9 iron could come in handy. Really based on the lie and green to work with. Hope that helps! 👊

[@outdooroutfitters3658]

Great information! Thank you for sharing.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Our pleasure! What other topics would you like to see us cover?

[@wisdomamuzu6398]

Thank you, I am going to work on this

[@robrandall1540]

Great vid.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Thanks Rob. What other topics would you like to see us cover?

[@lovetogolf4184]

Best tip I ever seen..Thanks !!!

[@USGOLFTVshow]

lovetogolf thanks for the kind words...we do our best to provide good solid information for our fellow golfers...what part of the information was the most helpful?

[@lovetogolf4184]

@@USGOLFTVshow ball position and takeaway length..Also the reason for this to have a lower controlled flight without overswinging, I have to practice this , I always have this shot and look up to quick and chicken wing..So get a bogey instead of possible bird..Or par..That's my main problem..And 6 iron shots so inconsistant..shoot 45,44,46 all the time!!!

[@gillam2001]

Not to mention a hard wedge spins the heck out if it. For me, my draw hits the green and spins left away from the pin. So I like these steps which should produce the right amount of spin.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Thanks Bill for taking time to comment. You are one of the few who can hit the draw. 👊

[@nick748]

Basically you are clubbing up and pitching rather than making a full swing with a wedge. I can see the advantages of doing so on a windy day so your ball doesn't balloon up and fall short or get blown away to the side, but on a calm day with small greens you have a better chance of getting close to the hole the conventional way. That is the reason for having more or less loft with each club. It's not just a chipping club around the greens.

[@emazz54]

I have an issue with my follow through and finish where I don’t do it when chipping. I always end up blasting it whenever I follow through. I’m very new to the game and this seems to be where I struggle most. I’m decent at chipping up to 20 yards and using my wedge past 50 yards. But anything in the middle is either too short or wayyyy to far. Maybe I just don’t trust myself to follow through and let the club do the work.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Welcome to the game and USGolfTV, hope you are finding the channel helpful to your game. Are you a subscriber?

[@ashtoncrum2224]

i found this helpfull thank you

[@shadowelite5137]

What clubs should i start off with?

[@USGOLFTVshow]

The pitching wedge is a good place to start.

[@shadowelite5137]

Ok thx

[@19tshrike]

i hit my pitching and gap wedge fine (although i can't get backspin), but for some reason i top my 56 degree wedge often or line it. the 56 degree wedge just feels weird in my back swing.

[@rideoutsean]

I top my 56 a lot too

[@mattsturgess2314]

@@rideoutsean put more weight on you front foot , you’ll hit the ball first and ground after and get more spin 😊👍🏼

[@johnhoward2481]

Fantastic, thank you. The length of the back swing is so important. Thanks for clarifying.

[@HIblue187]

I usually hit my wedge shots at 9 o’clock and 1030 and the the ball still goes high. Probably should put ball further back in my stance from center. To be frank, I like hitting high shots....don’t roll off the green. I follow Dave Pelz and the Short Game Bible. Great video, sir.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

The 9:00 and 10:30 system is solid and one we like. 👊

[@thoughtscreate7068]

Excellent video. I would like to see a video for 150≤ shots.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHXXeZJnh8-Fm9U

[@Rickyfyied]

wont moving your hands infront take away from the loft?

[@USGOLFTVshow]

You have a good eye, yes moving your hands slightly forward will deloft the club. This is a bad move for chipping, however recommended for wedges as it helps control the ball flight. Make sense?

[@johnnyutah482]

Please tell me your "full swing" backswing was exaggerated in this video. There is no way you actually hit your left shoulder ...

[@edisonwedges1632]

This is all very good instruction, but the main reason most golfers hit wedge shots too high is that the design of "tour design" wedges -- no matter the brand -- puts all the weight at the bottom of the club, so the club itself "wants" to launch the ball higher. Challenging the entire category, the Edison Forged wedges have more weight above the point of impact than any other, so the natural "gear effect" of the club produces lower launch angles, more spin and a few yards more distance. Robotic testing proves them to be the most distance-consistent wedges in the marketplace.

[@user-qh9qe6qx9c]

I struggle with my wedges but this video does not address my problem at all. This says the biggest mistake is hitting the ball too high. My problem is the complete opposite. My ball flight is so low that even on my wedges that do hit the green the ball will roll past and all the way off the green sometimes way past. My problem seems to be in making good contact. Many times, not staying down through the entire shot. My wedges shot misses are often skulls or balls that scoot off the end of my club way right so I feel my problem is coming across the ball out to in. When I do hit stay down and do make sure to swing way to the right and reach out, then I finally hit a good wedge but it does roll a ton when it hits the green

[@johnnyutah482]

Sounds like a LOFT problem Lack Of Fuckin Talent 🤣🤣🤣

[@oolaspalmas]

Guilty as charged. No wonder my wedges are all over the place when i try to hit them with full swing. This is something i need to address next season. Too many shots wasted at approach to green. Thanks for the tip. But should you ever use full swing with wedges? Maybe on short par 3?

[@USGOLFTVshow]

You are now good to go 👊

[@Eec2023]

@@USGOLFTVshow answer his question?

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Only use a full swing on wedge shots when the pin is tucked right behind a bunker and you need the extra height of a full swing...otherwise, use the controlled swing.

[@robertmazzarachio7939]

Another great video Todd that’s me one swing for all shots Bob

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Thanks Bob! 👍

[@robertmazzarachio7939]

Ok I just rewatched this video and I realize I’m still swinging my wedges like my driver so if it’s a wedge shot it’s no more than a 10 o’ clock swing no matter what the time of day Thanks Todd

[@SamuelAlopea]

Great tips, getting ready to put to use..👍🏼👍🏼

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Be sure to let us know how it goes 👊

[@WendelltheSongwriter]

I say put one wedge in your bag and use that until you find that you absolutely need a different wedge. I had a 60° wedge that I could hit 7 inchee or 150 yards nothing in between... Wedge confusion is a serious source of frustration for a lot of amateur golfers.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Solid strategy...get comfortable with one club first before trying to master many...

[@christophergoode6707]

Can you explain what the tee means after hitting a driver? Ie if it pops behind you, in front? Thanks

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Christopher Goode the movement of the tee does not tell us much other then if you are hitting a driver and you are breaking the tee then you are hitting too down on the ball...hope that helps!

[@Kiwigucci]

Is it all because of the ball position that my wedge shots go waaay up instead of forwards? My gap wedge goes about 50-55 yards.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

This is very possible, ball position is key to all shots but even more so when hitting wedges...thanks for posting!

[@911alps]

Omg thank you soooooo much !!!! I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to find this awesome vid 👍😀

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Alps P our pleasure! More great content to come, be sure to subscribe 👊

[@user-qh9qe6qx9c]

I agree, my problem is not too much trajectory it is too little trajectory. If I am 90 yards out, I will hit a pitching wedge that lands 15 yards in front of the green and it rolls all the way through the green, either into a trap at the back of the green or sometimes 15 to 20 yards past. On short chips, same issue

[@daveriffey9902]

go to Carsley Golf on google.... great videos for short game for the Rimer

[@jimschwalbe8618]

I am 80 years old. In my 40s's and 50's I would hit my 44 degree PW about 115 yds. My 56 degree SW about 95 yds. Today I am struggling getting consistency on distances. My trajectory varies fro medium to high height. Now my PW goes 105 yds and my SW goes 75-80 yds.. How can i get dialed in on distance control. My misses are usually short.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Great to see your passion for the game. We can always learn and improve. Have you seen my book The Bad Lie where the entire Vertical Line Swing is covered. You can find it here if interested www.badliegolfbook.com/

[@ironmarkgolf]

So what all does the bad lie discuss like what topics does it go over? In regards to my swing I even keep my drives at maybe 1030 position to keep my accuracy up. Recently went from a large slice to a slight hook thanks to just watching your how to swing videos. I was constantly puting my weight on my back foot instead of driving through the ball now I've got my drives looking good but only 220 with fairly nice clubs. I mean a Callaway epic max with a hazardous shaft is a decent club for sure it's no slouch. Anyways my true reasons for texting on this video is my lob wedge up close becomes a bump and run chip that is hard to keep in check but if I'm 60 yards out it's a beautiful swing to the green if I'm 30 yards out even better but if we knock that down to a 15 yard chip I'm all over the place bump and run right off the green onto the other side almost every time. What could I be doing wrong. I use the same hip and weight placement and grip as my somewhat longer shots that get decent lobs and tend to look beautiful but I just can't seem to conquer the more up close shots.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Good question. We cover the golf swing from grip to set up to finish, chipping, putting, bunkers and the 3 most important skills to break 90 and 80. Here is the link if you are interested www.badliegolfbook.com/

[@bobstjern]

So bounce is negated and not a factor in these shots, makes sense, just want to be clear. Great tip and reminder Todd. Also, so this strategy applies to not only sand wedges, but also the gap wedge, the pitching wedge, maybe even the 9 iron in certain circumstances?

[@daveriffey9902]

go to Carsley Golf on google... The Rimer videos will help your short game.

[@markpoppe8681]

Jeepers,all this time I thought getting the ball high so it dropped straight down onto the green was what was better! I wish I had learned this decades ago. 😐

[@edro3838]

Nice 👍

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Thanks ✌hope you subscribed!

[@davidwilson1952]

2:44 was thinned LOL

[@stevenarmstrong3348]

Im new tk golf for 4 months and i cant help but hit my p wedge 140 to 150 everytime....why??? I need help. Am i hitting it to hard?

[@Hemingwaypropertyrenovation]

I can guarantee you are not hitting your pitching wedge 160 yards after only 4 months of playing.

[@michaelscales5996]

Why do you need to bring the trajectory down ? Most golfers want the ball to go high,in order to clear the bunkers and land softly on the green.A lower shot will run on and on, leaving a longer putt.

[@daveriffey9902]

go to Carsley Golf on google... Rimer videos will help your short game

[@seanm3226]

A sand wedge may be a lower than a lob wedge, but will never “run on and on”.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Good question! We have found that a slightly lower ball flight will increase control as you can make a smooth swing

[@Kiwigucci]

When I do this I dig the ground before the ball most of the times.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Jan Pedersen good question...make sure you have your weight on the lead foot at address...say 60% on the lead foot...let us know if that helps. 👊

[@jonathonreedg]

I do a short swing and still pop fly them. Only clubs I can't hit

[@wadesworld6250]

If you pop fly them, you're probably flipping.

[@jonathonreedg]

@@wadesworld6250 I'm most definitely flipping. But if I don't flip, it's a shank or goes so far right it's insane.

[@wadesworld6250]

@@jonathonreedg I'm not a golf pro, but the reason for my flipping was fanning the club open and having a wide open face. You have no choice but to throw your upper body at it and flip in an effort to square the face, or else it's going 90-degrees right. I'd get a pro to analyze why you're flipping and suggest fixes. Feel isn't real.

[@jonathonreedg]

@@wadesworld6250 True. It just blows my mind I hit every other club good.

[@ilhanrefioglu6616]

Todd, I asked this before but did not get a response from you, not like you...hope all is well with you and you are staying safe and healthy. in wedge tips you mentioned that you move your hands/handle together with the club head, lateral move if you will in early part of take away...my question is do you recommend that for full swings including the driver , any comments....in future you may want to do a video on hands and handle positions in various stages of the full swing

[@hermanecheverri9849]

Going back on your stance will deloft your club. My stance is always middle

[@warholscircus]

I only have a two wedges in my bag, a 55 degree sand, and a dual wedge. It is the strongest component of my short game, wedges, because I'm magic with them from a 100 yards in. So I have to disagree with your assessment of sky shots, they're a great tool, and my most often go to, because when they land, they stop within a few feet and I know where they're going to land. Point being, I hit various shots with these wedges depending on the situation. Some low most high, and I have had great success doing so. My biggest mistake, lol... I don't think so!

[@bonjovi7120]

And yet here you are watching this video🤣🤣🤣

[@ericfermin8347]

You never define the problem. Why is lower flight better (more accurate) than higher flight?

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Good question, it brings the landing target closer to you. Make sense?

[@ericfermin8347]

@@USGOLFTVshow Ahhh, makes sense.

[@villarrealmarta6103]

3/4 wedge shot with all wedges never a full swing, and never move weight off lead leg

[@daveriffey9902]

www.the rimergolf.com for ordering the Rimer..

[@Donmega884]

Omg I saw the first swing and ran away

[@annrobichaud9410]

Bb

[@fredhowie3817]

Little Dave has six wedges

[@TC.....]

who cares if you hit it high, as long as it's consistent distance

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Good question, typically balls that fly higher with the wedge will have more spin and are harder to control

[@mikeyboy6895]

You guys make me laugh your all directors

[@BlueArmeh88]

Well Padraig Harrington says wedge shots should be played forward of stance as you cant control shots digging in. I'll listen to Padraig not this guy

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Mr. Harrington is an all time great, no debate there. There are lots of ways to play this game, our only request is to give our ideas a chance.

[@creative_expressionproductions]

Are you exaggerating your swing?? I hope so or your shouldn't be on KZbin giving swing tips!😱

[@USGOLFTVshow]

😂 gotta make it look good for the camera....

[@jonathanbrown4453]

That is not how you use a lob wedge!

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Thanks for posting....can you clarify where we are off track?

[@jonathanbrown4453]

The lob wedge was designed for its bounce to be utilised. Placing the ball back in the stance will not make this happen, it has a digging effect into the ground. The ball needs to be forwards in the stance with your weight 70% of your weight on the leg nearest to the target. Also leaning the shaft forwards doesn't help, the shaft needs to be straight up or even leaning the slightly back. What's the point in getting a 58 degree lob wedge and the leaning the shaft forwards so that you now have a 50 degree lob wedge? 🤔

[@brexit9279]

Ahhhhh, I hit my wedges too high??? Isn’t that what a wedge is for? Height and spin?

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Wedges should have a trajectory which controls distance...that is done through proper flighting of the golf ball

[@brexit9279]

All clubs control distance and trajectory as needed to complete the desired shot. I am glad I don’t teach in your facility. You are an idiot and I don’t recommend anyone using your facility

[@bonjovi7120]

This is such silly advice to give to weekend golfers. Do you really expect double digit handicappers to be able to flight wedges down like elite players?🤣🤣🤣

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Maybe not be execute like a tour pro, however many of our fellow golfers enjoy learning and working on their games. Doing our best to provide them with solid information.

[@John-ej2oj]

Why in the name of God do you take such a long back swing?

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Is our backwing too long?

[@anthonyperrin3411]

Talk talk talk. Life's too short. Get to the point.

[@melhooker520]

I play with a group of 25 to 40 golfers and I don't know any of them that carry a 58°they carry a 60°, 56°, and a 52 degree,