Tips on Playing a Sand Wedge From the Fairway

Though a sand wedge was originally intended for only hitting out of the sand, there are several different ways to utilize its unique specifications for fairway shots near the green. The angle and grooves of the face are ideal for generating a high spin rate so that the ball doesn't roll nearly as much once it has landed. Take time to practice all of the different shots that you can hit with a sand wedge on a practice green or driving range before you attempt them on a course.

  1. Full Swing/Low Trajectory

    • Low trajectory shots are ideal for playing in windy conditions and can produce far more accuracy than a high trajectory shot once you've mastered the motions. They are slightly more difficult to achieve, but like any shot in golf, practice makes perfect. Situate your feet so that the ball is in the back of your stance, just inside the instep of your back foot, and your hands are just inside the instep line of your front foot This will create a defined angle in your wrists so that when you swing, the angle will deloft the club at impact, producing a low trajectory with plenty of backspin.

    Full Swing/High Trajectory

    • A high trajectory shot with a sand wedge is much easy than its low trajectory counterpart simply because you won't have to make any special motions or adjustments to your swing. The high loft angle of the club will produce the high trajectory--all you have to do is make crisp contact with the ball and allow the club to do everything else. Situate your feet so that the ball is in the direct center of your stance, with your hands in line with your belly button. Take the club back and cock your wrists as you would with any iron swing and rotate your hips through impact. This motion will ensure a square club head at impact.

    Half Swing/Low Trajectory

    • A half swing wedge shot with a low trajectory is ideal for pinpoint accuracy when hitting anywhere within 50 yards of the putting surface. Address the ball so that it's in the back of your stance with your hands angled to the front of your stance. Take the club back halfway and be sure to hold that firm angle in your wrists--the worst thing that you can do here is cast your hands out. Swing through the ball and abbreviate your follow-through to match the length of your back swing.

    Flop Shot

    • Flop shots are by far the most difficult wedge shot to master. They have the lowest margin for error and can be disastrous if struck improperly. However, if hit properly, the ball will go straight up in the air, fly only a limited distance and stop as soon as it lands. The flop shot is an ideal shot for carrying a bunker or other hazard but still stopping before it has a chance to roll through the green. Situate your feet so that the ball is in the front of your stance with your hands back towards the middle. Take the club back at a steep angle and glide the club head underneath the ball at impact.