Equipment Tip
Equipment Tip
The sand wedge
Many times we go to a new course and have trouble from the sand. Sometimes it is our own poor technique but other times it may be the change in texture of the sand that we’re not used to. The type of sand wedge you use can have a dramatic effect on your sand play. If you are reasonably good out of the sand at your home course it is probably because you have found the right blend of technique and equipment for that type of sand texture.
If your home course has fluffy, soft sand then you probably have a sand wedge with a good wide flange on the bottom as well as some bounce. The flange is the width of the sole on the bottom of the club. The bounce is the amount in degrees that the back of the flange hangs down in relation to the leading edge of the clubface. These factors used together keep the club from digging too deep in the sand so the ball can be lifted out. You can also use a stronger lofted sand wedge( 55 or 56 degrees) in soft sand because it is easy to open the face to create more loft.
If your home club has hard, compact, clay like or gravelly texture sand then you probably have a sand wedge with little or no bounce and a very little flange. This is because the hard sand will itself bounce the club through the sand. If you were to use a wide flanged wedge with bounce in this type of bunker then you’d most often blade the shot uncontrollably because in trying to hit behind the ball the club gets bounced up too early cutting the ball. More loft is also required for these hard compact bunkers. Using a 57 to 60 degree sand wedge is best.
If you like to travel and play many different courses you may benefit from having at least one of each of these different type wedges in the bag. When you get to the new course test each wedge in the practice bunker and remember to take the extra club out of your bag before you begin playing. Have fun.