How To Hit a Sand Wedge
When it comes to being the best golfer you can be and reaching your potential, you must evaluate and improve every aspect of your game. That - of course - includes learning the best ways to hit a sand wedge.
While it might not be your favorite shot, if you can get it perfected, you are guaranteed to see an improvement in your game - and greater enjoyment in your time on the green.
To enhance your game, we've broken down everything you need to know, including the best techniques for hitting and using the sand wedge. Read on to find out more.
What is a Sand Wedge?
A sand wedge is a golf club mainly used for getting the ball out of a sand bunker. It's designed with an open-faced wedge and has the widest sole of any wedge, making it the perfect choice for getting out of sticky - or, rather, sandy - situations.
What Are the Best Techniques for Hitting a Sand Wedge?
Despite the name, golfers use sand wedges to get out of various terrains. We've listed a few below:
On Short Grass
On the surface, using a sand wedge on short grass - also known as the fairway - can feel similar to using any other iron club. Upon closer inspection, however, you'll find that the subtle changes that occur when using the sand wedge can completely change your shot.
Knowing your way around the sand wedge and how best to take the shot using it on short grass can set you apart from the competition. So, what are the best tips?
First, you'll want to move the ball back in your stance. While this will deloft the clubface a little, you'll find that it brings the leading edge down to the ground and lifts the trailing edge. In turn, this will also make it much easier to hit down on the ball.
The reason for doing this is to avoid the problems you'd face if you take the standard approach: namely, hitting the ball thin or even potentially topping it.
By taking advantage of the differences in each club, you can massively improve your game! After all, there's science in how the clubs work.
In the Sand
Unsurprisingly, the sand wedge truly shines when you use it to get out of a bunker. After all, it wouldn't be named as such without its excellent ability to do precisely that. But that doesn't mean that you can forgo technique. Pairing the right club with the proper technique is a sure-fire way of getting the results you want, though, so here are our tips:
Ensure you enter the sand a few inches behind the ball to allow the club to glide into it for full effect. That way, you can take advantage of the club's bounce as it slides underneath the ball. If you do that, you'll find the ball lifts into the air exactly as you want it to and - crucially - high enough to get you out of the dreaded bunker.
If you're still not getting the results you were hoping for, try moving the ball forward in your stance and trying again. After all, practice makes perfect. Perfecting your swing and learning the differences between each club is all part and parcel of reaching your potential as a golfer.
In the Rough
Finding yourself in the rough is something every golfer experiences, no matter how long you've been playing or how experienced you might be. It just happens. Luckily, the sand wedge is a fantastic option for getting you out of exactly that situation.
Utilize the tools you have at your disposal, and you'll find yourself less panicked and more prepared when the situation inevitably arises. Let's break it down.
One of the most common mistakes when trying to get out of the rough is chopping down on the ball and digging the club into the ground. When using a sand wedge, you shouldn't need to do that because of how the club is designed. It provides bounce which - if used correctly - can help you work through the rough and into the ball without any digging whatsoever.
You'll need to aim for a powerful swing from a reasonable distance back so that the club moves smoothly through the grass and into the ball. And remember to rotate fully for the full effect.
How to Choose The Best Sand Wedge?
Given that the technique is something you will need to work on for some time, when first buying a sand wedge, go for one that is the easiest to use. You can always upgrade later, so start slow! Choosing a club for comfort and ease will make you learn much quicker than jumping into the deep end with a more sophisticated choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Hit a Sand Wedge for Beginners?
To hit a sand wedge, move the ball forward in your stance, then take advantage of the bounce in the club to hit through any obstacles (such as grass or sand) and get the ball into the air.
How Do You Hit a Wedge Out of Sand?
Enter the sand a few inches behind the ball and then glide the club into the ball so that it slides underneath. This swing will lift the ball into the air and out of the sand bunker. You can also try moving the ball forward in your stance.
Get Covered in Sand & Look Good While Doing It — Shop Stitch Golf!
Whether you're just starting as a beginner or are a seasoned player, you will inevitably find yourself in a sand bunker or the rough. Knowing how to effectively use a sand wedge to get out can be a huge game changer.
For all your golfing tips, information, gear, and apparel, head to Stitch Golf now!
