100 Yards and In: The Three 'T's For Better Wedge Play

When you find yourself within 100 yards of the green, the pressure to execute a precise shot ramps up. This is where your short game truly shines or falters. Mastering wedge play in this zone is about more than just swinging hard or picking your favorite club. It’s about understanding and applying the Three T’s: Target, Technique, and Touch. These elements work together to help you control your shots, improve accuracy, and ultimately, lower your scores.

Every shot must first be determined by what the lie allows you to do.

Target: Where Do You Want the Ball to Land?

Once you have reviewed your lie, the next step is deciding on your target. This is not necessarily the pin itself but the spot where you want the ball to land. Why? Because the pin can be in dangerous places that can get you in trouble, such as hazards, heavily sloping greens or tight pin placements, making it risky to aim directly at it.

Ask yourself:

• Is the shot best played with a higher trajectory to clear a bunker or obstacle?

• Would a lower shot that rolls out more be better for the conditions?

• How is the wind affecting the ball flight?

• What kind of putt am I going to leave myself?

  
  

Visualizing the ball flight to your chosen target is crucial. For example, if the pin is tight to a bunker, pick a landing spot on the green that allows the ball to stop quickly after landing. If the wind is strong, you might choose a lower trajectory target to keep the ball under the wind.

Example: If you are 80 yards from the green and the pin is tight in the front, take an extra club and aim for the middle of the green where you can putt back to the hole instead of hitting short and having to chip.

Technique: Setting Up for the Shot

Once your target is clear, your technique must align with the shot you want to produce. This includes club selection, hand position, ball position, and stance.

• Club Selection: Don’t just grab your usual wedge. Consider multiple clubs for the distance. For an 80-yard shot, you might choose a pitching wedge, gap wedge, or even a 9-iron depending on the shot shape and conditions.

• Hand Position: This is determined by the ball flight you have chosen. For higher ball flight, place the lead hand directly over the ball. For lower shots, place your lead hand more forward. Look at the face of the club when you move your lead hand forward. Notice how it delofts.

• Ball Position: Place the ball slightly back in your stance for lower shots and more forward for higher shots.

• Foot Position: Narrow your stance for better control and balance.

  
  

By adjusting these elements, you can shape the shot to fit your target. For example, a higher shot over a bunker may require a more open clubface and slightly wider stance to allow a full swing with loft. Combine these variations at the driving range and you will start putting a lot more shots in your bag.

Touch: Controlling Swing Length and Power

Touch is the feel you develop to control distance and trajectory. It’s about how much swing you take and how you use your hands during the shot.

Practicing touch is essential for consistent wedge play. Here’s a simple drill to build your feel:

1. Pick a target about 100 yards away.

   • Full swing

   • Three-quarter swing

   • Half swing

2. Use your gap wedge (GW) and hit six full swings aiming at the target.

3. Then, take your pitching wedge (PW) and 9-iron, choke down slightly on the club, and hit six shots each with:

4. Return to your gap wedge and repeat the process.

   
   

This routine helps you understand how different clubs and swing lengths affect ball flight and distance. You’ll start to develop a mental map of your shots, which is invaluable when you’re on the course.

Practicing different swing lengths with multiple wedges builds touch and control for shots within 100 yards.

Putting the Three T’s Together on the Course

When you’re on the course, the Three T’s become your checklist:

• Target: Identify a safe landing spot, not just the pin.

• Technique: Choose the right club and set up your body to match the shot.

• Touch: Use your practiced feel to control swing length and power.

  
  

For example, if you face a 90-yard shot with a strong headwind, you might choose a 9-iron with a lower ball position and a three-quarter swing to keep the ball flight low and controlled. Your target might be the front edge of the green to allow the ball to roll toward the hole.

This approach reduces guesswork and builds confidence in your golf short game. It also helps you adapt to different lies, weather conditions, and pin placements.

Final Thoughts on Improving Your Golf Short Game Within 100 Yards

Mastering wedge play inside 100 yards is about more than just power. The Three T’s—Target, Technique, and Touch—give you a clear framework to improve your golf short game. By focusing on where you want the ball to land, setting up correctly, and practicing your feel, you’ll hit more consistent shots and lower your scores.

Next time you practice or play, remember to:

• Visualize your target carefully.

• Experiment with different clubs and setups.

• Practice touch regularly on the range.

  
  

This methodical approach will make your wedge shots more reliable and enjoyable. Your short game will thank you.