Mastering distance wedges: 50-100 yards done right

If you want to shoot lower scores, there’s one area of the game that offers the biggest bang for your buck - wedge play from 50 to 100 yards. This “scoring zone” separates average players from great ones. Mastering your distance wedges requires more than just solid contact - it demands precise distance control, calibrated partial swings, and smart spin and trajectory management.

Let’s break down how you can turn your wedge game into a strength with specific drills and techniques you can start using today.

Distance Control Drills
Control is king. You need to be able to hit multiple distances with each wedge without changing clubs. Here are a couple of go-to drills:

1. Ladder Drill
   -Set up targets (cones or towels or use yardage markers on range) at 10 yard intervals from 50 to 100 yards.
   - Use the same club (like a sand wedge) and try to land a ball at each target distance.
   - Focus on feel, rhythm, and backswing length, not brute force.

2. Clock Face Drill
   Imagine your swing like a clock. Your left arm (for right-handed golfers) will reach:
   - 7:30 = 50-60 yards
   - 9:00 = 70-80 yards
   -10:30 = 90 - 100 yards
   - Hit balls focusing on controlling your arm swing to these positions.
   - Keep tempo consistent - don’t accelerate or decelerate wildly.

3. Partial Swing Calibration
   You don’t need a new club - you need a new feel.
   Step 1. Pick one wedge. Start with your gap or sand wedge
   Step 2. Measure your carry distances. Use a rangefinder or launch monitor to find your average carry with:
   - Half swing
   - Three quarter swing
   - Full swing
   Step 3. Record & Repeat. Create a wedge matrix chart with swing lengths and distances. Practice until each swing length becomes repeatable and predictable.

4. Managing Trajectory and Spin
   Controlling trajectory helps you handle different turf and wind conditions. Here’s how to manage it:
   Trajectory Tips:
   - Lower flight: Ball slightly back, hands forward, shorter backswing, abbreviated follow-through
   - Higher flight: Ball centered or forward, open stance, full finish.
   Spin Control:
   - Use premium golf balls designed for spin.
   - Ensure clean grooves and dry contact - spin requires friction.
   - Don’t overswing. Spin is about clean contact, not speed.
   Turn Wedges Into Birdie Machines
   Every time you’re inside 100 yards, you have a scoring opportunity. But guess what? So does every other golfer. The difference lies in who has more control, more confidence, and more reps under pressure.

   Start applying these drills and calibrations, and you’ll find yourself closer to the pin more often, with more makeable birdie putts.

   Next Steps
   Want help building your own personalized wedge matrix or mastering partial swing feels? Book a private lesson at golf-instructions.com today. Let’s sharpen your short game - where it matters most.