7 min
Lateral Movement on Finesse Wedges
4 min
As one of the co-founders of WedgeCraft, Titleist staff member Dr. Rob Neal undertook a 7-year study, working with some of the world's most accomplished players, to reveal what really happens on shots in the short game. The world's best are often moving and using the club in ways that are completely opposite to what struggling amateurs think they should do.
Case in point, the video above, where Rob shares WedgeCraft research on lateral movement on finesse shots. As Rob demonstrates with the help of 3D data, great wedge players like Luke Donald move towards the target, laterally, on their backswings and raise up slightly through impact. This results in forward shaft lean, a shallow angle of attack into the golf ball and very consistent contact with both the ball and the turf. In contrast, many amateurs lift up during the backswing, hang back and swing down very steeply into the ball. This can result in fat shots, thin shot and a vast array of inconsistent results.
Instead, take Doc's advice and practice these pro movements with the aid of video, a mirror, or the pool noodle practice drill station that Rob favors. When you learn to move left and rise through impact, even the trickiest lies will feel like child's play.
Case in point, the video above, where Rob shares WedgeCraft research on lateral movement on finesse shots. As Rob demonstrates with the help of 3D data, great wedge players like Luke Donald move towards the target, laterally, on their backswings and raise up slightly through impact. This results in forward shaft lean, a shallow angle of attack into the golf ball and very consistent contact with both the ball and the turf. In contrast, many amateurs lift up during the backswing, hang back and swing down very steeply into the ball. This can result in fat shots, thin shot and a vast array of inconsistent results.
Instead, take Doc's advice and practice these pro movements with the aid of video, a mirror, or the pool noodle practice drill station that Rob favors. When you learn to move left and rise through impact, even the trickiest lies will feel like child's play.
