TheLesson Tee

by Alan Reese

When I’m playing with members or walking the range at Salem Golf Club, I see players trying to hit short shots with a number of different clubs. Most of the time the clubs being utilized are pitching wedges and nine irons.

Using these clubs is not an incorrect thing to do, but the player is extremely limited in the type of shot they can play. The shot will be lower flighted, spending less time in the air and more time on the ground. That’s okay if you have enough green to work with, and the green is not “pushed up” or elevated. My suggestion is to put the lower lofted clubs away and reach for the sand wedge. The sand wedge, when used properly, is one of the most versatile clubs in the bag.

First, let’s look at a low pitch and run. Here are the steps to hit this shot:

• For this shot we set up to the ball with a very narrow stance.

• The ball will be aligned with the inside of your trail foot (right foot for right-handed players).

• Weight will favor your lead foot (approx. 75%).

• Lean the shaft forward so that your hands are ahead of the ball.

Finish position:

• The shaft and butt of the club are ahead of your body with the shaft (the butt points to the sky).

• The club head will stay low to the ground through the shot and into the finish position.

• Weight remains on your lead foot.

Now, there’s a higher shot that won’t run as much:

• For this shot we will set up with a narrow, but slightly wider, stance than the first shot.

• The ball is moved more toward the middle of your stance.

• Weight will slightly favor your lead foot (60%).

• Hands and shaft are in an even position with the ball.

Finish position:

• The shaft and butt of the club are ahead of your body with the shaft (butt of the club points back to you).

• The club head will move higher in the finish, with the clubface pointing towards the sky.

• Weight remains on your lead foot.

Alan Reese

PGA Professional

Salem Golf Club

areese@pga.com