Kinematic Sequence - Wedge Shots (20-50 yards)

[Jared Willerson]

What kind of grind would that be Jim?

 

[mgranato]

One shaped more like this...

than like this...

 

[Jim Kobylinski]

What kind of grind would that be Jim?

something similar to the M grind, the mizuno MP T11 wedges from last year have a great stock grind. Slightly narrower of a sole than i prefer but still works well.

Essentially find a wedge that when you sit it down the leading edge is as close to the ground as possible but with a sole that isn't too narrow. What you'll find is a wedge with trailing edge relief to allow that. The point is to be able to get that leading edge as close to the ground as possible so you can get that "thin" type contact but the width of the sole and the slight trailing relief will keep the club from digging.

Here's a shot of an m grind:

Notice the trailing edge relief.

Here's the mizuno wedge i was talking about:

Notice how low the leading edge is sitting to the ground yet as that grind goes through the turf there will be bound to keep it from digging.

 

[cwdlaw223]

Ideally you want a wedge with a leading edge that isn't too rounded and sits low to the ground but has a wide enough sole to still provide bounce.

Don't you want to first hit the ground with the back portion of the bounce (i.e., trailing edge) instead of the leading edge for shots on soft ground 20-50 yards?

 

[wulsy]

I normallt try to get the ball onto the clubface.

 

[cwdlaw223]

I should have said the trailing edge hits the ground first instead of the leading edge.

 

[Jim Kobylinski]

Don't you want to first hit the ground with the back portion of the bounce (i.e., trailing edge) instead of the leading edge for shots on soft ground 20-50 yards?

that may be "what happens" but that is not what i try to "feel is happening." i want to feel like the leading edge and very bottom of the clubface contact the ball first, then as far as technique goes, that's when i "quit" on it and allow the clubface to slide under the ball and the sole/bounce do the rest.

This is what allows me to "nip it" right off the turf with very little divot, low launch, and a lot of spin.

 

[cwdlaw223]

That helps me better understand the technique you're trying to communicate. Much appreciated!!!

I've been dragging for about 25 years on those shots!!!!!

 

[spktho]

that may be "what happens" but that is not what i try to "feel is happening." i want to feel like the leading edge and very bottom of the clubface contact the ball first, then as far as technique goes, that's when i "quit" on it and allow the clubface to slide under the ball and the sole/bounce do the rest.

This is what allows me to "nip it" right off the turf with very little divot, low launch, and a lot of spin.

Can you explain the "quit" a bit more, please. It has to be more of just quit pulling the hands forward than a quit the whole motion, right?

thanks

 

[Jim Kobylinski]

Can you explain the "quit" a bit more, please. It has to be more of just quit pulling the hands forward than a quit the whole motion, right?

thanks

Ever fake throw a ball at someone? You wind up, pretend to throw it at them, and then whoooosh you just quit and let the ball drop? That's the feel; in a fluid motion you make a downswing action that gets to the ball and when you feel you have your hands/arms in the proper position you just basically stop and allow the momentum of the clubhead do the rest.