The clock system can help dial-in your wedge game

Should you be using a clock system to get accurate yardages with your wedges? I certainly think so.

Some golfers will be comfortable using a feel-based method and if that’s you, then great. However, if you struggle to control your distance with in-between shots, then having a system, or a matrix as I call it, is a great way to know how far each club goes.

Golfers often struggle when deciding what to do for shots that do not require a full swing. Those shots that require anything less than a full shot can have people second guessing themselves, creating a lack of commitment and clarity on how to play the shot, resulting in some ropey outcomes. Having a more structured approach can give you clarity and help your decision making.

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Here’s my system for shots from 120 yards and in.

I carry three wedges and I have three swings for each wedge creating a matrix of average carry numbers.

Hip to hip

52° 62 yards

56° 51 yards

60° 40 yards

Shoulder to shoulder

52° 85 yards

56° 78 yards

60° 65 yards

Full

52° 120 yards

56° 111 yards

60° 90 yards

As you’ll see, some of my carry numbers are similar, but each club gives a different trajectory to suit a certain shot depending on where the pin is, what the wind is doing or what trouble is around the green.

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For example, a hip to hip 52° goes a very similar distance as a shoulder to shoulder 60° for me. However, the 52° has a lower flight and would skip forward on the green, the 60° would be higher with more spin, thus landing softer.

It’s much easier to obtain this information while using a launch monitor, but you can put targets out on the practice area at certain distances and hit shots with each swing length and work out what your average carry numbers are.

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Spend a great deal of time getting comfortable hitting these shots in practice, and I promise your distance control with wedges will improve greatly.

You’ll start hitting the ball much closer and be able to commit to your decisions as you know how far each shot goes.

Alistair Kyle is the senior PGA Professional at Turnberry and a member of the bunkered Performance Panel. You can find out more about his coaching HERE.