Opening Golf Nuggets

Opening teaching moment…Loading the interactive Golf Nuggets view.

Short Game · Technique

Go longer and slower to control a downhill wedge

For a player whose wedge shots come off too hot, stand a little farther away, drop the hands, and make a longer backswing with more hinge and right-side turn. Slow the transition until it feels exceptionally long, letting the clubhead pass the hands and the club release to produce control, feel, and spin on a downslope.

Channel: Dan Grieve

Watch official source at 5:40

Try it

  1. Get a little bit further away and drop the hands down a bit
  2. Make a much longer backswing with a little bit more hinge and allow the right side to turn
  3. Slow down and feel the clubhead passing your hands, letting the club release a little more
  4. Feel like the transition is taking 10 minutes

Why this context matters

Coaching a strong player who grew up on firm links and hits wedges too hot from a downslope.