Your Trusted Source For the Bladed Sand Wedge Shot

This is the Bladed Sand Wedge Lesson. This is a specialty shot that comes in handy every once in a while, but if you know how to play it, the shot can get you out of some tight jams.

It is called the Bladed Sand Wedge. This is a tricky shot but can be very effective. It also serves a double purpose as a phenomenal drill to work on your putting stroke. (But more on that later)

As you have seen from the Chip-Putt Shot Selection Lesson, the key to a solid short game is to know when to play what shot. Mastering this technique adds a creativity to your game that will bring you to the next level.

The Time To Play This Shot Is...

• When you have hit your approach and it just rolls off the green. You think it is going to be a simple putt or chip from the fringe...however, your ball is still sitting on the fringe but is backed up against the long rough.
• This makes it very hard to use your putter or hit a standard chip shot.
• The problem is that the long grass is going to get in between your club face and the ball.
• You need to try the Bladed Sand Wedge so you can get the ball close to the hole to save a shot.

Step One: Club Selection

• Grab your sand wedge for this shot. It is ideal because the head is usually a little heavier and it has a good sharp leading edge.
• If you don't have a sand wedge then go with a pitching wedge or if necessary a 9-iron.
• I certainly recommend purchasing a sand wedge if you don't have one, as it is truly the most versatile club available.

Step Two: Set Up like a Putt

• Take your putting grip.
• Take your putting stance.
• Please see the Putting Set Up Lesson if you need a refresher.

Step Three: Lift Your Sand Wedge

• Lift your sand wedge off the ground so that the leading edge is level with the equator of the ball.
• This allows you to 'Blade' the shot, meaning you will hit the middle of the ball.
• By hitting the middle of the ball you will get the ball rolling just like a putt.
• The leading edge is sharp and will cut through the long grass so that you can make clean contact with the ball. That is extremely important...the cleaner the contact the more predictable the result.

Step Four : Make your Putting Stroke

• It is as simple as that. It is really a putt, but using a different club.
• This shot certainly takes a little practice but is very useful given this situation. The greatest part of this lesson is just becoming aware that this shot is available.
• This shot takes some imagination and creativity and that is one of the best things about the game of golf.

Improve Your Putting Too!

The bonus is that this can be a great way to practice your putting stroke. Take your sand wedge on the putting green and hit some putts using the setup and technique above.

This will help your putting stroke because...

• You can only hit these shots solidly with a smooth and steady putting stroke.
• Your left wrist must stay flat and solid through the stroke.
• This practice will also help with focus. It has a smaller margin for error because of where you need to hit the ball.

If you can make 6 foot putts with your sand wedge think of how easy using your putter will be!

Thank you for reading the Bladed Sand Wedge Lesson. If you are looking for more lessons to help your short game, please take a look at the Chipping, Pitching and Sand Play Lessons.

Good luck with your practicing and playing. May you achieve your golf goals sooner with the help of free-golf-lessons.com

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