To stop pushing your wedge shots, focus on not holding the clubface open (or "off") through impact, allowing it to naturally square up and release towards your target. Pushing a wedge shot means the ball starts to the right of your target (for a right-handed golfer) and continues on that line. This is typically caused by the clubface being open relative to your swing path at impact.
Understanding Pushed Wedge Shots
A pushed shot occurs when your clubface is open at impact relative to your swing path, and that path is either neutral or slightly inside-out. The ball will launch in the direction the clubface is pointing, resulting in a shot that goes right of your intended target without curving significantly. It's a common issue that can lead to missed greens and frustrating short game struggles.
Key Causes and Solutions for Pushing Wedge Shots
Successfully eliminating pushed wedges involves addressing both clubface control and swing path mechanics.
Clubface Control at Impact
One significant reason for pushing wedges is "holding the club off a fraction" through impact. This phrase describes the act of preventing the clubface from closing or squaring up naturally. When you hold the club off, you inadvertently keep the face open, directing the ball to the right of your target.
- Solution: Instead of holding the clubface open, allow it to release and square up naturally through impact. Think of the clubface rotating or "fanning" slightly as it passes through the ball, ensuring it points directly at your target at the moment of contact.
- Drill Idea: Practice slow-motion swings, focusing on feeling the clubface close or square up as your hands pass through impact. Ensure the toe of the club gently overtakes the heel post-impact.
- Visual Cue: Imagine the clubface pointing towards your target as it connects with the ball, not staying open.
Alignment Issues
Often, golfers unknowingly align themselves to the right of the target. If your body is aimed right but you try to swing down the target line, your clubface might stay open relative to your body alignment, leading to a push.
- Solution: Consistently check your alignment before each shot.
- Practice Tip: Lay two alignment sticks on the ground – one pointing at your target, and another parallel to it, just inside your feet, for body alignment. Learn more about proper alignment.
- Routine: Step behind the ball to visualize your target line, then set your clubface first, followed by your feet and body parallel to that line.
Inside-Out Swing Path
An exaggerated inside-out swing path, where the club comes too much from behind you and swings excessively to the right of the target line, can also lead to pushed shots, especially if the clubface is also open.
- Solution: Aim for a more neutral swing path.
- Focus: Feel like you're swinging "down the line" or slightly more from the outside-in, rather than aggressively from the inside.
- Drill Idea: Place a headcover or alignment stick a few inches outside the target line, slightly in front of the ball. The goal is to avoid hitting it, encouraging a straighter path through impact.
Poor Weight Transfer
Staying on your back foot during the downswing and impact can prevent you from rotating properly and getting the clubface square. This often leads to a "flipping" motion where the hands try to compensate, resulting in an open clubface and a push.
- Solution: Ensure a complete weight transfer to your lead side (left side for right-handed golfers) during the downswing.
- Feeling: Finish your swing with most of your weight on your lead foot, and your belt buckle pointing towards the target.
- Drill Idea: Practice hitting wedges with your feet together to emphasize the need for a good weight shift and rotation.
Summary of Causes and Solutions
Here's a quick reference to common causes of pushed wedge shots and their fixes:
| Cause | Explanation | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Open Clubface at Impact | Holding the clubface "off" or failing to square it through impact. | Allow the clubface to release and rotate naturally; avoid holding it open. |
| Incorrect Alignment | Aiming your body to the right of the target. | Rigorously check and correct your body and clubface alignment. |
| Inside-Out Path | Swinging the club too much from inside the target line, to the right. | Work towards a more neutral or slightly outside-in swing path. |
| Poor Weight Transfer | Staying on the trail foot, leading to a "flip" and open face. | Ensure full weight transfer to the lead foot through impact. |
Drills to Improve Your Wedge Shots
Incorporate these drills into your practice routine to develop better wedge control:
- Half-Swing Focus: Practice short swings (half-back, half-through) with an emphasis on feeling the clubface square up naturally.
- Target Practice: Choose a very specific target and try to hit it with each wedge shot. This helps engrain proper aiming and swing path.
- Gate Drill: Place two alignment sticks just outside your clubhead on both sides, a few inches past the ball, forming a "gate." Focus on swinging through this gate to achieve a consistent path.
- Feel the Release: Use a lighter club (or even just an alignment stick) and practice swinging through, feeling the sensation of the clubface closing and releasing. Your trail hand should feel like it's guiding the clubface squarely towards the target.
Equipment Check
Sometimes, an incorrect lie angle on your wedges can contribute to pushes or pulls. If your club's lie angle is too flat for your swing, it can cause the toe of the club to dig in, effectively opening the clubface and promoting a push.
- Consideration: Get your wedges checked by a professional club fitter. They can assess if your lie angles are appropriate for your swing.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you've tried these tips and are still struggling, a golf professional can provide personalized feedback. They can analyze your swing with video and launch monitors to identify specific flaws in your clubface control, swing path, and alignment that are causing you to push your wedge shots. Find a PGA Professional near you.
By focusing on allowing the clubface to square naturally through impact, correcting your alignment, refining your swing path, and ensuring proper weight transfer, you can effectively stop pushing your wedge shots and gain more confidence around the greens.
