Wedges & Chipping Practice with Pauly D | EVEREST

Hello, my fellow golfers!

While many golfers head out for 18 holes, I prefer to play nine and then spend time working on my short game. For me, the round isn’t the end of the session. It’s the starting point for practice.

Here’s how I work on my wedge shots and turn my misses into another opportunity to practice.

Start at 50 yards

I start about 50 yards from the hole on a designated practice green, with a shag bag holding more than 50 golf balls. Before starting, make sure the practice area permits shots from that distance and that nobody is in your landing area.

My goal is to land the ball on the green and let it roll as close to the flag as possible.

If you’re just starting out, keep the goal simple: get it onto the green and keep it there. As you become more consistent, work on finishing closer to the hole.

Choose the wedge for the shot

I carry a lob wedge, sand wedge, gap wedge, and pitching wedge. Each gives me different options for trajectory, carry distance, and rollout. My goal in practice is to learn how each behaves rather than assume one club is right for every shot.

From about 50 yards, my first choice is usually my sand wedge. I like the way the ball rolls out after landing, and I don’t need a full swing to get it there.

If the pin is tucked close to the edge of the green and I have less room for rollout, I may choose my lob wedge instead. I’m looking for a higher shot that lands more softly, although the result still depends on the lie, contact, and green conditions.

Practice with a familiar golf ball

My preference is a premium three-piece urethane golf ball. When I’m working on control around the green, I want to become familiar with how the ball responds after landing.

If your shag bag contains different types of balls, remember that they may not all react alike. When comparing landing and rollout, use the same type of ball where practical.

Don’t make a dramatic spin-back your first goal. Start by landing the ball on the green and learning how far it rolls.

Look after your wedges

Don’t overlook the condition of your equipment. Keep the clubface and grooves clean, and pay attention to wear.

My personal preference is a wedge with a milled face. I like its feel around the green and the control I get with it. That’s my preference, not a reason everyone needs to buy the same equipment.

If you’re concerned about the condition of your wedges, ask a golf professional to inspect them rather than assume you need a replacement.

Turn your misses into chipping practice

After I’ve hit all 50 balls, I focus on the ones that finished short of the green or went over it.

From wherever each ball lies, I practice chipping it onto the green and letting it roll as close to the hole as possible. I wait until the area is clear before moving around the green.

That turns my misses into the next part of my practice. Instead of simply collecting those balls, I use them to work on the recovery shots I might face during a round.

Give yourself a manageable next shot

The goal isn’t to hit 50 perfect shots. It’s to learn from where each ball finishes and get more comfortable with the next shot.

Start by keeping the ball on the green, then work toward leaving yourself a putt you’re confident you can make.

See you around the green,
Pauly D