Golf Magazine USA – September 2019

Lessons Lessons THTHININK / PLAY / LIVEK / PLAY / LIVE

114 GOLF.COM / S e p t ember 2019

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PICK A WEDGE IDENTITY—THEN EXPLOIT IT

THIS YEAR, THE SOLHEIM CUP heads to the Centenary Course at

Gleneagles in central Scotland. Historically, less than 20 percent

of matches will reach the 18th hole—but those that do will demand

high-pressure virtuoso performances. This uphill par 5, dubbed

“Dun Roamin’,” is your last chance at glory. If you were down to

the wire, what would you do with your second shot? That depends

on your wedge identity. Pick one, and the choice becomes simple.

1. The Up-and-Down Wizard
   Do you favor the short-side, downhill, buried-lie flop shot? Are
   your hands so soft you could get up-and-down from the beverage
   cart? Does an all-or-nothing chip shot get your blood pumping—
   in a good way? That means your choice is easy here: Gun directly
   for the pin. Sure, you may end up long in the rough without any
   green to work with, hitting a delicate wedge in front of thousands
   of rabid fans. But hey, you said you could handle it. Take dead aim.


2. The Ace Pitcher
   Are you the type of golfer who actually likes those 25-50 yarders?
   The wedge maestro who knows that if it’s in the fairway, and it’s
   a long pitch, something good is bound to happen? If that’s the
   case, then this, too, is an easy choice for you: Take less club and
   plan your leave, most likely short and left of the green. A chance
   at birdie 4 is a real possibility, with a guaranteed 5. Leave yourself
   that perfect pitch.


3. The Numbers Person
   A 50-yard half-wedge gives you the heebie-jeebies, but 100
   yards? Now that sounds doable. For some players, 85 yards is a
   perfect sand wedge, while 110 is the ideal pitching wedge. If this
   is you, have no shame: Play to your strengths. The second shot
   becomes easier as a result, as long as you dial in the right yardage
   from where you are. Lay it to your number. —Dylan Dethier

The 513-yard, par-5 18th,

Gleneagles Centenary Course

1. don’t worry about Take dead aim and
   the consequences,
   even if it means
   going long and leav-
   ing a treacherous
   up-and-down.
   2. Leave yourself
   that perfect pitch.
   You’re not laying up,
   exactly—you’re just
   throwing yourself an
   alley-oop pass.
   3. Lay it to your
   number. There’s
   no shame in wanting
   a full club in. Just
   pick the yardage
   you want and dial
   in your approach.

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COURSE SMARTS