We often see tour pros throw darts with their wedges from inside 100 yards, and many of us wish we could replicate their precision and consistency. The distance wedge triangle is a simple process that will help you to improve your approach play, and get you dialled in from this crucial distance.
In this article and video, Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach John Howells explains everything you need to know about this useful three-step concept…
What is the distance wedge triangle?
The distance wedge triangle is made up of three aspects: centeredness of strike, a low dynamic loft at impact, and distance control.
Coaches often focus on the third component, swing length, but the other two have typically been neglected, so we will focus on those in this piece. Perfecting the distance wedge triangle will help you to get dialled in from inside 100 yards, which is a key distance for creating birdie opportunities and ultimately shooting lower scores.
1. Centeredness of strike
With this aspect we are looking to hit the ball out of the horizontal centre, so not the toe or the heel of the club. We are also looking to find the vertical centre of the clubface, therefore avoiding fat and thin shots.
To achieve this, we need to focus on a few things at set-up. The ball should be just forward of centre, with your left foot slightly flared out. Your weight needs to be just marginally on your left side, and I don’t mind encouraging a little forward shaft lean.
Once in this position, make a nice centred backswing. Try not to sway your head off the ball, or transfer your weight excessively over to you right side. Aim to hit the ball before making contact with the ground, so that you get that nice compressed contact with the ball.
(Image credit: Tom Miles)
To practice this, you can set-up the runway drill. This focuses on getting the club to land in the horizontal position correctly. As you can see in the video above, place two alignment sticks on the ground to create a runway, just wider than the width of the clubhead.
Take a few practice swings, aiming to hit the ground in the centre of the runway. If you hit either alignment stick, reset and start again. If you can consistently find the middle of the runway, this will promote increased control, an optimal launch and better strikes.
2. Low dynamic loft
The second aspect of the triangle is creating that lovely low dynamic loft. The best players de-loft their wedge shots around 15 degrees from roughly 70 yards.
We are trying to make sure we…
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