Coming out of the winter months, it’s important to get back to basics in your short game, and find a level of consistency which leads to better shots around the greens as turf firms up and courses return to full length.
A solid understanding of how wedges interact with the turf is essential.
Bounce – the angle created between the leading edge and the lowest point of the sole or trailing edge – dictates how the club interacts with the turf. As world-famous wedge designer Bob Vokey says: “Bounce is your friend,” as it allows a margin of error when striking the ball.
Using the bounce is simple, all you need to focus on is allowing the sole of the club to slide underneath the ball. By using the bounce correctly, you reduce the chances of getting the leading edge caught behind the ball, or hitting the back of the ball with that leading edge.
To work on this feeling, place a coin on the ground about a clubhead length behind the ball and try to hit the coin before you make contact with the ball. You’ll soon feel how the clubhead works with the ground and can adjust the coin’s position to suit your tendencies and setup position. Repeat the drill until you’re making a consistent impact and producing repeatable chip shots.
