The bladed wedge is a little known short game shot that’s very effective from a difficult situation. When your ball comes to rest on the fringe and right up against the collar of the rough surrounding the green. This particular situation makes any type of normal chip shot a for-sure chunk, and any play with a putter usually ends of topped. This is where the bladed wedge comes in… the leading edge of the wedge can sift through the grass and make contact with the equator of the ball much more effectively then either of the other shots. Here’s how to do it.
1) Setup like a putt
This shot is basically a putt with the leading edge of your wedge. To ensure proper contact, you will need to remove your wrists from the swing equation. To do this, start by ensuring your wedge leading edge is straight and aligned to your target, then make a practice stroke focusing on simply rocking your shoulder back and forth like a putt. Also like a putt, and most importantly, you have to ensure you accelerate into the ball… remember you have some long grass to get through before impact, so don’t let your purse get in the way. I also like to open my stance slightly for this one.
2) Stand tall, and line up your wedge
Once your set, stand just a little taller, and line up the leading edge of your wedge with the equator of the ball. After that, your set, use the technique described above and make your stroke. The ball should go about the same distance as a putt with a similar stroke.
3) Practice
This is a tough technique to master, but it does in handy. The next time you’re putting around on the practice green, grab your wedge and try putting with it to a variety of targets. Soon you’ll become confident enough in your “blading skills” to use this technique on the course.
Give it a shot!
