Many players try to scoop the ball with a wedge in an effort to hit pitches high and land them softly. But making that scooping motion causes the clubhead to bottom out too early. The result is often a chunked shot or one hit in the teeth.

Here’s a drill to help you practise making contact at the bottom of the ball and the bottom of the swing arc.

Plant a tee in the ground one centimetre in front of the ball. Set up with your hands slightly ahead of the clubface and the ball positioned in the middle of your stance. Your goal is to hit down and through the ball so that you pop the tee out of the ground. This downward stroke will help steepen the angle of approach, producing solid contact and giving you the high wedge-shot that lands softly. If you try to get the ball up with a scooping action you won’t be able to hit the tee out of the ground.

This instruction is courtesy of Gary Packer, PGA professional and golf director at Walmer Country Club in Port Elizabeth. He is a former SAGDB and Eastern Province junior golf coach and has been the club professional at Walmer CC since 1990. He recently took over as golf director of the club. For information call Gary or teaching professional Nic Grundtvig on 041 581 1877 or email them at walgolf@netactive.co.za.