When should you rely on wedge shooting instead of yardage?

Welcome to play Smart, a regular Golf.com game improvement column that will help you become a smarter and better golfer.

One of the best ways to shoot lower scores is to take advantage of your scoring club. Whether it’s opening a goal on a wedge on a 5-shot or snatching a par up and down when missing a green, you can save PAR in the green, and having a strong wedge game is crucial to scoring.

Accuracy is key when you enter this wedge range. If you missed a 5-digit number, that could be the difference between birds rolling and settled in a PAR, so you have to know how to use a wedge to control the distance.

There are competitive theories on best practices for controlling these distances. Some rely on feelings, while others are more specific, but which one is the best?

In the video below, golf teacher watches Parker McLachlin (aka Short Game Chef) explains when he thinks you should use the feeling and yardage in your hands.

Feeling and yardage – Which is better?

When using feeling or relying strictly on yardage, McLacklin said he keeps it simple. Inside the 30 yards, he relies on the feeling, and outside of that number, he becomes more organized.

“One of you is about 30 years old [yards]that’s when I really hope you know your phone number. “McLacklin said. “I mean knowing your phone is your carry number.” ”

McLachlin That As the target number. However, usually you want to lower it a little bit, rather than considering bounce and pushing out.

“You have to consider where to go land ball, McClarklin said. “Then you train it to understand how it feels.”

A popular way to train the feeling of different distances of wedges is to use the “clock” method. However, if you choose to do this, it is important that you have to treat the axis (not the lead arm) as the arm of the clock.

Once you let these feels down, you can dial the distance within range and know exactly how far you need to bring the club back to hit your carry.

Shortgamechef.com, created by PGA Tour champion Parker McLachlin, provides golfers with a comprehensive resource to improve their short game. Through personalized techniques, drills and expert insights, Parker helps players at all levels gain greater confidence and gain a deeper understanding of their short games to lower their scores. you can Browse membership options here.