Short Game Masterclass

Playing editor Matthew Southgate on how you can transform your wedge game and lower your scores

1 Perfect your distance control

I tend to be more accurate when I’m hitting full shots. On tough courses, the pins can be tucked away, so it’s nice to take dead aim and know how far it’s going to go without having to try and take distance off the shot or hit it harder.

You should really try and develop a solid understanding of how far you hit the ball, as well as how likely it is to stop and how much it’s going to release. If you get the distance bang on, then five yards left or five yards right isn’t that far from the hole – it’s only 15 feet. With pitching, it’s all about distance control.

I carry four wedges. I have my set wedge, which is 46Ëš, then three Titleist Vokeys at 50Ëš, 54Ëš and 58Ëš. With these options, I feel confident of getting up and down in two far more regularly. At the other end of the bag, you’re looking to get down in three, so I’d rather try and manipulate a 4-iron and have an extra wedge in the bag than carry a 3-iron or additional hybrids.

2 Ball position