Golf Digest posted instructions Thursday on how to hit the half wedge, right after Martin Kaymer used it to hit the shot pictured below and make eagle.
Here's the key: You don't want to hit the ball hard. Instead, you want to hit the ball as easily as you can and still get the ball to the hole, because hard strikes create more spin and more height on the shot. That's a killer in the wind! The half wedge is a low shot that flies low, hops once and rolls slowly toward the hole.
Instructor Kevin Meeks says you are taking a much less-lofted wedge -- 54? Is a famous choice -- play the ball just returned of middle, and sweep it gently off the floor. Meeks advises the usage of your body to govern this movement instead of your hands, because you can manipulate the rate of your swing better that way.
This shot probably seems to contradict common sense. We're all taught that you need speed to create enough spin to stop the ball, but that's not entirely correct. You need clean contact to create spin, and a short gentle swing that makes solid contact will get the job done.
The half wedge is a superb shot to add on your arsenal. As Martin Kaymer demonstrated in that windy first spherical at Augusta, you don't need the speed of a Dustin Johnson to make that golfing ball behave.
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