Why the Lob Wedge is Hurting Your Short Game

Why You Should Rethink Reaching for Your Lob Wedge Around the Green

It might be hard to hear, but if you're always reaching for your lob wedge around the green, it could be hurting your golf game. While it's tempting to follow in the footsteps of pros like Phil Mickelson, who make those incredible flop shots look effortless, relying on a high-lofted wedge too often can kill your scores.

‍

I've been there myself - coming from a hilly, small-greened course in Michigan where hitting high shots was practically a requirement. But as I moved to different courses with bigger greens, I realized how much my addiction to the lob wedge was limiting my short game.

‍

There are times when the lob wedge is the only choice, like when you're thick in rough or short sided with little green to work with. Quick Tip: Use more loft than you think you need in deep or thick rough... you can thank me later. But for most situations, especially when there's enough green for the ball to roll like a putt, a lower-lofted club (such as a 7-, 8-, or 9-iron, or even hybrid) is the way to go.

‍

Here's Why

1. Shorter swing, less chance for error - a shorter swing with a lower-lofted club means fewer things can go wrong, even on mishits.
2. More predictable spin - with less backspin, you can better predict how the ball will roll to the hole, just like a putt.
3. More margin for mistakes - lower-lofted clubs are more forgiving, meaning you'll have more room for error on those tricky shots.
   ‍

‍

So, how do you start making the switch?

1. Know when to use them - on firm, open courses, a 5-, 6-, or 7-iron might be your best bet from 30-50 yards away. On courses with tighter greens, only use lower-lofted clubs when the lie allows.

For more tips on mastering your short game, check out Chipping vs. Pitching: Mastering Your Short Game Around the Green.

1. Practice makes perfect - the technique is similar to a basic chip shot, but with different clubs. Experiment and find what works for you.
2. Trust your new skills - with enough practice, you'll know when to trust your expanded shot repertoire, and it will pay off!

I saw this firsthand when coaching the Men's Golf team at Scottsdale Community College. We implemented the use of lower-lofted clubs leading up to the NJCAA National Championship, and the result? We won by 18 shots, largely thanks to their improved short game.