Golf is a sport that requires precision and accuracy. It involves a wide range of clubs, each with their unique purpose, to hit the ball into the hole. One of the clubs that play a crucial role in the game is the wedge. A wedge is a short-iron club that is designed to produce a high, arcing shot with a steep angle of descent, making it useful for hitting the ball out of bunkers, thick rough, or hitting approach shots onto the green. However, sometimes golfers can experience difficulties when using their wedges, leading to thin shots. In this article, we will discuss what causes thinning wedges and how to fix them.
What is a thin shot in golf?
A thin shot, also known as a thin contact, occurs when the clubface of the wedge makes contact with the ball too high on the face, resulting in a low-flying shot that doesn’t have the necessary spin to stop on the green. Thin shots can be frustrating for golfers because they can lead to a lack of distance and control, making it difficult to get the ball close to the hole.
What causes thinning wedges?
There are a few common reasons why golfers may experience thin shots when using their wedges:
- Poor setup: The way you set up to the ball can have a significant impact on the quality of your shot. If your stance is too wide, your weight distribution is incorrect, or you’re standing too far from the ball, you may struggle to make solid contact.
- Poor swing mechanics: Golf is a sport that requires a lot of practice and technique. If your swing mechanics are off, you may hit the ball too high on the clubface, resulting in a thin shot.
- Using the wrong club: Wedges come in different lofts, which determine the angle of the clubface. If you’re using a wedge with too little loft, you may hit the ball too high on the face, resulting in a thin shot.
How to fix thinning wedges? Now that we know what causes thin shots when using wedges, here are some tips to help you fix them:
- Check your setup: Make sure your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned, your weight is balanced, and you’re standing at the correct distance from the ball. This will help you make solid contact with the ball.
- Focus on your swing mechanics: Keep your hands in front of the ball at impact, maintain a smooth tempo, and swing through the ball, rather than at it. Practicing these fundamentals can help you make more solid contact.
- Use the right club: Make sure you’re using the correct wedge for the shot you’re trying to make. If you’re hitting a shot that requires a high, arcing shot, use a wedge with more loft.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Thinning wedges can be frustrating, but the more you practice, the better you’ll become. Spend time on the driving range or putting green, working on your technique, and developing a consistent swing.
- Check your ball position: The position of the ball in your stance can also affect the quality of your shots. If the ball is too far back in your stance, you may hit it too high on the clubface. Experiment with different ball positions until you find one that works best for you.
- Use a pre-shot routine: Having a pre-shot routine can help you stay focused and consistent on the course. This can include visualizing the shot you want to make, taking practice swings, and setting up to the ball in the same way each time.
- Use a softer grip: Gripping the club too tightly can cause tension in your hands and arms, which can lead to thin shots. Try using a softer grip to help you make a more fluid swing.
- Practice hitting different shots: Thinning wedges can be caused by a lack of confidence or experience with certain shots. Spend time on the course or driving range practicing a variety of wedge shots, including chips, pitches, and bunker shots. This will help you become more comfortable and confident with different wedge shots.
- Get a golf lesson: If you’re struggling to fix your thinning wedges on your own, consider getting a golf lesson from a professional instructor. They can help you identify any swing flaws or setup issues and provide personalized tips to help you improve.
Wedge Models for Thin Shots
| Wedge Model | Loft Angle | Bounce Angle | Grind Type | Club Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titleist Vokey SM8 | 56 degrees | 10 degrees | F grind | 35.5 inches |
| Callaway Mack Daddy CB | 52 degrees | 10 degrees | Full sole grind | 35 inches |
| TaylorMade Hi-Toe Big Foot | 60 degrees | 12 degrees | C grind | 35.25 inches |
| Mizuno T20 | 58 degrees | 8 degrees | S grind | 35.5 inches |
| Ping Glide 3.0 Eye2 | 54 degrees | 10 degrees | Standard sole grind | 35.5 inches |
| Cleveland RTX ZipCore | 60 degrees | 6 degrees | Low bounce grind | 35.25 inches |
| Cobra King Pur MIM | 50 degrees | 8 degrees | Versatile grind | 35 inches |
| Wilson Staff Model | 56 degrees | 10 degrees | T grind | 35 inches |
| Srixon ZX7 | 58 degrees | 6 degrees | Tour V.T. sole | 35.25 inches |
| Bridgestone Tour B XW-1 | 52 degrees | 8 degrees | Tour grind | 35.5 inches |
Players Who Prefer Thin Wedge Shots
| Player | PGA Tour Wins | Favorite Wedge Model | Wedge Loft Angle | Bounce Angle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger Woods | 82 | TaylorMade Milled Grind 2 | 60 degrees | 8 degrees |
| Phil Mickelson | 45 | Callaway Mack Daddy 5 | 64 degrees | 10 degrees |
| Jordan Spieth | 12 | Titleist Vokey SM8 | 56 degrees | 8 degrees |
| Justin Thomas | 14 | Titleist Vokey SM8 | 60 degrees | 12 degrees |
| Bryson DeChambeau | 9 | Cobra King MIM | 56 degrees | 10 degrees |
| Dustin Johnson | 24 | TaylorMade Hi-Toe | 60 degrees | 10 degrees |
| Rory McIlroy | 19 | TaylorMade Milled Grind Hi-Toe | 60 degrees | 10 degrees |
| Jon Rahm | 6 | TaylorMade Milled Grind 2 | 60 degrees | 6 degrees |
| Brooks Koepka | 8 | Nike VR Pro | 60 degrees | 8 degrees |
| Hideki Matsuyama | 6 | Srixon ZX7 | 58 degrees | 6 degrees |
Techniques to Avoid Thinning Wedge Shots
| Technique | Description | Example Drill | Practice Frequency | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ball Position | Move ball back in stance | Hit shots with ball at back of stance | Twice per week | 80% |
| Weight Shift | Shift weight forward on downswing | Practice hitting shots with exaggerated weight shift | Three times per week | 70% |
| Follow Through | Finish with weight on lead foot | Hit shots and hold finish for 3 seconds | Once per week | 60% |
| Clubface Control | Ensure clubface is square at impact | Practice hitting shots with clubface alignment sticks | Four times per week | 85% |
| Clubhead Speed | Increase Clubhead Speed | Use speed training aids and swing faster than normal | Twice per week | 75% |
| Visualize Landing Spot | Focus on landing spot rather than ball | Pick a landing spot and hit shots to it | Once per week | 80% |
| Shot Selection | Choose appropriate shot for situation | Practice hitting different types of wedge shots | Once per week | 70% |
| Mental Preparation | Stay calm and confident | Use breathing techniques and positive self-talk | Before each shot | 85% |
Causes of Thinning Wedge Shots
| Cause | Description | Example Correction | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball Position | Ball too far forward in stance | Move ball back in stance | 75% |
| Weight Shift | Failure to shift weight forward on downswing | Practice weight shift drills | 65% |
| Early Release | Hands releasing too early on downswing | Practice hitting shots with slower tempo | 70% |
| Tightness/Tension | Grip pressure too tight, body too tense | Use lighter grip pressure, practice relaxation techniques | 80% |
| Clubface Angle | Clubface too open at impact | Practice hitting shots with closed clubface | 75% |
| Swing Plane | Swing plane too steep | Practice shallow swing plane drills | 60% |
| Lack of Practice | Inadequate practice or preparation | Increase practice frequency and vary practice routine | 90% |
| Poor Technique | Fundamental flaws in swing mechanics | Seek professional instruction | 95% |
| Lack of Confidence | Doubt or fear during swing | Practice mental preparation techniques | 85% |
| Fatigue | Physical or mental fatigue during round | Take breaks, stay hydrated and maintain focus | 80% |
Drill and Practice Techniques for Thin Wedge Shots
| Drill/Practice Technique | Description | Example | Practice Frequency | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range Baskets | Use range baskets as targets | Hit shots at baskets from various distances | Twice per week | 75% |
| Tee Drill | Use tee to create a smaller target | Hit shots at tee from various distances | Three times per week | 80% |
| Clubface Alignment Sticks | Use alignment sticks to check clubface position | Hit shots while checking clubface alignment | Four times per week | 85% |
| Swing Tempo Drills | Practice slower or faster swing tempo | Use metronome or swing aid to practice tempo | Once per week | 70% |
| Short Game Challenges | Create Short Game Challenges with specific goals | Example: get up and down from three different locations | Once per week | 80% |
| Scramble Practice | Practice hitting recovery shots from various lies | Hit shots from rough, bunkers, and awkward lies | Twice per month | 75% |
| Shot Visualization | Imagine and visualize shots before hitting | Visualize shot and execute it | Before each shot | 90% |
| Playing Lessons | Play practice rounds with specific goals | Focus on specific areas of game and simulate tournament conditions | Once per month | 85% |
| Video Analysis | Record and analyze swing mechanics | Review and make adjustments based on video analysis | Once per month | 80% |
| Mental Preparation | Practice mental preparation techniques | Use visualization, breathing, and positive self-talk | Before each shot | 90% |
By implementing these additional tips, you can further improve your technique and consistency with your wedges. Remember, golf is a game that requires patience and persistence, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate improvement. Keep practicing and refining your technique, and you’ll soon be hitting solid, high-arcing shots with your wedges.
