Below is a simple 3 x 3 matrix of various wedge distances based on three backswing lengths (in green). The three backswing lengths are the 7:00 position, the 8:00 position and the 9:00 position. Image the golf stance as a clock with the top of your head representing 12:00 and at the bottom, between your feet, as 6:00 to understand these values. The left arm is the dial on this clock and its position tells the time. -So the 9:00 position would be seen when the left arm is at a 90 degree angle to the right and parallel to the ground. -just like a clock rotating clockwise.
To further illustrate the positions; in the 7:00 position, the left arm travels 7 leaving the hands at just less than hip high in the backswing. In the 8:00 position, left arm travels to 8 leaving the hands at hip high in the backswing. In the 9:00 position, the left arm is parallel to the ground.
The three swing positions in conjunction with three different wedges allow for 9 standard pitching distances. Using one standard swing with the same tempo will produce average and consistent distances.
To further illustrate the positions; in the 7:00 position, the left arm travels 7 leaving the hands at just less than hip high in the backswing. In the 8:00 position, left arm travels to 8 leaving the hands at hip high in the backswing. In the 9:00 position, the left arm is parallel to the ground.
The three swing positions in conjunction with three different wedges allow for 9 standard pitching distances. Using one standard swing with the same tempo will produce average and consistent distances.
Pitch Shot Distance Matrix
| Club Selection | 7:00 | 8:00 | 9:00 |
| Pitching Wedge | 32 yds | 42 yds | 56 yds |
| Sand Wedge | 19 yds | 26 yds | 38 yds |
| Lob Wedge | 12 yds | 20 yds | 33 yds |
Having base distances will take a lot of guess work out of which wedge to select and 'how hard to hit it'. As you can see the grid covers a range of distances to choose from. Using a matrix like the one above will give your pitching game 'go to' shots that you can hit with confidence.
The above values are calculated using a slightly open clubface which is recommended when pitching the ball. To add additional distances to the matrix, open the clubface of the wedges various degrees to produce even more base distances. For example, from the chart above, a lob wedge hit with a 7:00 swing will send the ball an average of 12 yds. Open the clubface 45 degrees and execute the same swing. You'll likely produce a shot that travels 6-8 yds.
When in-between distances one option is to alter the swing distance to fit the needed distance. For instance, facing a 30 yd shot to the pin, a sand wedge with an 8:oo swing appears to be the best option. But we know that our sand wedge at 8:00 only travels an average of 26 yds. The solution, swing to 8:30 to cover the extra 4 yards to get the ball even closer.
You can further manipulate the values by slightly adjusting ball positions to produce higher or lower shots that travel different distances.
Create your own distance matrix by hitting various wedges at different swing positions. Pace off the distances, average them out and record them.
The above matrix is based on a bag that contains just three wedges. If you carry a fourth wedge such as a gap wedge, approach wedge or two sand wedges with different lofts, the matrix grid grows to 4 x 3 giving a total of 12 base distances.
The above values are calculated using a slightly open clubface which is recommended when pitching the ball. To add additional distances to the matrix, open the clubface of the wedges various degrees to produce even more base distances. For example, from the chart above, a lob wedge hit with a 7:00 swing will send the ball an average of 12 yds. Open the clubface 45 degrees and execute the same swing. You'll likely produce a shot that travels 6-8 yds.
When in-between distances one option is to alter the swing distance to fit the needed distance. For instance, facing a 30 yd shot to the pin, a sand wedge with an 8:oo swing appears to be the best option. But we know that our sand wedge at 8:00 only travels an average of 26 yds. The solution, swing to 8:30 to cover the extra 4 yards to get the ball even closer.
You can further manipulate the values by slightly adjusting ball positions to produce higher or lower shots that travel different distances.
Create your own distance matrix by hitting various wedges at different swing positions. Pace off the distances, average them out and record them.
The above matrix is based on a bag that contains just three wedges. If you carry a fourth wedge such as a gap wedge, approach wedge or two sand wedges with different lofts, the matrix grid grows to 4 x 3 giving a total of 12 base distances.
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