The bellied wedge
One of the wonderful things about golf is there are so many ways
to be creative, and hit new shots. Sometimes a situation arises
that requires a unique approach. For example, when the ball rests
up against the fringe of the green.
The bellied wedge
One of the wonderful things about golf is there are so many ways to be creative, and hit new shots. Sometimes a situation arises that requires a unique approach. For example, when the ball rests up against the fringe of the green.
Most people when faced with this shot will take an eight or nine iron, play the ball back in their stance, and hit down. The problem with using one of these clubs is often times grass gets trapped between the clubface and the ball. Whenever grass gets trapped between the clubface and the ball, the transfer of energy to the ball is lost. Once this happens the player has lost control, and without control, the ball will not end up close to the hole.
The shot that is required here is the ‘bellied wedge;’ using a putting stroke to swing a wedge so that its leading edge hits the equator of the ball.
The wedge is the best choice because it has more weight at the bottom near the leading edge. Make sure that the wedge you use does not have a rounded leading edge; round edges will cause the ball to jump off line. When you address the ball, hold the club off the ground and align the leading edge to the equator of the ball. This way the club will not have to move through the grass. Your ball position should be a little forward of center. As you move the club back, keep it level to the ground so you make contact with the equator of the ball and don’t hit down on the ball. This shot should create very little loft but quite a bit of over spin, which causes the ball to track towards the hole.
Once you have set up the right way (remember what I always say, “you have 100 percent control of your set-up a 100 percent of the time on the golf course, so get it right”) treat this shot like a putt. Just keep the club head low to the ground on the back-swing and keep it moving towards your target on the forward-swing. You may not face this shot too many times, but it can’t hurt to know how to approach it.
Specialty shots are the game within the game of golf, so be creative and someday you might find a way to hit a tough shot because you thought ‘outside the box.. Don’t forget it’s called the game of golf and games are fun, right? Play well.
Have any golf related questions? From rules to club fitting you can call me at 408-846-4531 or e-mail me at sk*****@**********gc.com. If you would like to read some of my past tips, you can do so at www.pinnaclenews.com. And don’t forget, if you’re not having fun playing golf call your local PGA or LPGA instructor, we will help.
Golf is more fun when you’re improving. Don’t be afraid to be good.
