Wyndham Clark’s Wedge Game Is Full Of Tricks — Here Are The Ones You Should Steal

One of the things that sets PGA Tour pros apart from amateur players is their creativity around the greens. They have “tricks” up their sleeve that most amateur players do not. Let’s look at some of these tricks that Wyndham Clark shared during a practice round at Oak Hill CC in Rochester, N.Y., a few years back.

Use the bunker to your advantage

Sometimes, hitting an approach shot in a bunker is a good thing.

Bunkers can give you more control over your short shots than when you hit out of the thick rough. Get good at hitting a high-lofted bunker shot that lands softly on the green and then you’ll have an easier time getting aggressive from the fairway.

Learn three shots from the sand

While we are on the topic of the sand, you may as well learn more than one shot when hitting out of a sand trap. Sticking with the same shot from the bunker every time is like trying to hit all chips and pitches the same way. It just doesn’t work.

Clark encourages players to learn these three shots:

1. High and soft – wide-open face, low hands, full loft
2. Standard spinner – square face, faster swing, moderate height
3. Chunk and run – more squared face, steeper angle, lower trajectory

Adjust your face angle and swing speed to see these results but spend some time in a practice bunker. You won’t be able to implement this on the course without practice.

Check your wedge bounce

If you are going for a wedge fitting anytime soon, carefully analyze your wedges’ bounce. Some tight lies require a very specific wedge grind to avoid chunking. Clark trusts his 60° A grind wedge because it lets him “clip” the ground just right without bouncing too much.

Generally speaking, on tight lies, a grind with less bounce or more heel/toe relief may help.

If you can putt it, putt it

We recently reviewed some Shot Scope data regarding putting, and it’s by far the most effective way for golfers to get up and down from off the green. Wyndham Clark feels the same way about putting. When the grass is tight and the margin for error is slim, he doesn’t force a chip.

The putter eliminates some risk and when you are playing a course with tricky greens, this becomes particularly important. Choose the simple shot when you can.

Learn to use the bounce (Not the leading edge)

Clark says most amateurs keep the club too square and swing down on the ball. This leads to chunks or bladed shots. Instead, he opens the face and lets the bottom of the club (the bounce) do the work.

To do this, you’ll need to open the clubface more so the bounce can glide. In addition, you’ll want to avoid stabbing or digging with the leading edge of the club. On those delicate greenside shots, this correct use of the bounce will give you more control and shot-making ability.

Final thoughts

If you’re chasing a lower handicap, studying pros like Wyndham Clark is a smart place to start. His short game is built on feel, variety and smart decision-making. Nothing is stopping you from adding these strategies to your wedge game.