Distance Wedges...calculating your distances

Distance wedges class is one of our most popular, if not THE most popular class in our adult golf class curriculum. The distance wedge class focuses on a simple way to know and practice your distances with your wedges (mostly your sand wedge). Since we only do this class every 6 or 7 weeks, I thought it might be nice to have it laid out in a simple to use formula. Some of our golf students have been known to put these calculations right on their sand wedge to refer back to.

So how do we hit 20, 40, 60, 80. and 100 yard shots with the same club? By increasing the length of arc and thus increasing the club head speed with which we hit the shots. We have come up with a simple way to figure out your distances. However, there are many variables within these parameters that will require practice and precision.

First, the parameters for these shots are referring to the location of your hands during the backswing and the finish. For example, hip to hip, your hands will be at hip height at the top of the backswing and your hands will be at hip height at the finish.

20 Yard Shot - Hip to hip

40 yard shot - Hip to Shoulder

60 yard shot - shoulder to shoulder

80 yard shot - shoulder to full finish

100 yard shot - full swing.

Another thing to note, if you have a generally slower swing speed or a shorter club (specifically if you are a women or junior golfer), you may need to move to a gap wedge or approach wedge for the longer shots.

So what do you do if you have a 70 yard shot?

This is where you need to practice. This isn’t an exact science, it’s an estimate and a good guide for most recreational golfers. However, this isn’t a “cure” for your wedge woes. It also requires a tremendous amount of practice and experience. The more practice you get with these shots, the better you will get under pressure.

Any questions? Leave them in the comments.