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.
- 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. - 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. - 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
- 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.
(^31)
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COURSE SMARTS