MAGAZINE 2022-23

Less loft, more control

Let’s imagine we’re playing from the front tee, and have a shot of just over 100 yards to make. The green is a small landing area with trouble all around, and subject to any wind coming in off the Dee Estuary.

Let’s consider the tee shot here as an example of how players can choose to take a less lofted club in order to better control spin on the ball and its flight.

1
John Heggarty deliberates which club to use
It seems to me I have the option of hitting a high wedge, or a lower flying 8-iron.
2
John Heggarty demonstrates a full high swing with a wedge.
If I go for the wedge I’ll have to make a fuller swing with more wrist set. My shot will be high, and more spin will be applied to the ball. Given the strike is pure then my only worry would be excessive spin which might bring the ball back off the front of the green.
3
John Heggarty deliberates which club to use
Here is a method that will help to control the flight and still allow the ball to land softly on the green. The common approach is to position the ball further back in the stance, but although the angle of attack will start the ball lower, it will actually increase its spin. Taking an 8-iron means I can reduce my swing speed and wrist hinge and play the ball from a normal position. There is no need to put the ball back in my stance.
4
John Heggarty demonstrates a swing
Here is a method that will help to control the flight and still allow the ball to land softly on the green. The common approach is to position the ball further back in the stance, but although the angle of attack will start the ball lower, it will actually increase its spin. Taking an 8-iron means I can reduce my swing speed and wrist hinge and play the ball from a normal position. There is no need to put the ball back in my stance.

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF OPENING A LOFTED WEDGE

DON’T
Above left: Instead, open the face the desired amount.
Above right: There’s one big one! Don’t take hold of the handle of the club and then simply swivel it to open the face.

DO
Above left: Instead, open the face the desired amount.
Above right: Maintain the open position and place your left hand on the handle (right for the lefties, obviously).

Above left: Slide your lower hand up to meet the top hand. Although your hold will look neutral, it should be positioned more on the left side of the handle.
Above right: Your grip should now be a weak one which, in conjunction with the open face, will assist with height.

The bunker shot

1
John Heggarty demonstrates the stance for the bunker shot
So, you didn’t listen to me about loft and spin, and your high wedge hit the front of the green and rolled back into the sand. The bunker is pretty steep and you need to get up and out without fuss. Having opened the face of your club the desired amount, place the ball forward in the stance so it is closer to your lead foot. Your weight should favour this front foot. To help visualise this, imagine a vertical line from the centre of your sternum to the sand - it should end just behind or over the ball.
2
John Heggarty demonstrates the direction of your body and the aim of the clubface
Now withdraw your lead foot so your feet, hips, knees and shoulder point to the left of the target. The clubface itself should aim marginally right of the target.
3
John Heggarty demonstrates the line of the swing
Make sure your swing follows the line of your feet and body. Notice how, at the top of the backswing, the shaft of my club is parallel with the line of my body.
4-5
John Heggarty demonstrates the line and aim of the swing
Continue your swing on this line, which is in effect to the left of the target.
6
John Heggarty demonstrates the bunker shot
The slicing action and open clubface will send the ball towards the flag with both height and spin.
Thanks for reading, and enjoy your golf!
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