PGA.info has tapped into its pool of pros to answer all your golfing questions - from technique and instruction through to fitness and the rules.
This week Brocton Hall assistant professional Jon Watts explains how to use a 64 degree lob wedge - a la Phil Mickelson.
I bought a new 64 degree lob wedge to try and emulate Phil Mickleson but I'm really struggling to use it. What is the secret to using it well?
Jon says:
The main problem tends to come from the player trying to help the ball in the air, rather than trusting the loft on the club.
The tendency I see with amateurs is they try to play the ball too far forwards in their stance and set their weight too much on the back foot.
Actually the ball should be played from the centre of your stance, underneath your sternum as this is the lowest point of your swing arc. The player's weight should be evenly distributed between their left and right foot at set up, but their weight should still transfer towards their front foot in the follow-through.
Secondly, if you do open the clubface to achieve more loft, ensure you open the clubface before gripping the club. Many golfers do this the wrong way round and grip the club before turning the clubface open, having the effect turning a good grip to a strong grip (both hands favouring the right side of the grip for a right handed player).
Also if you do open the clubface, the ball will tend to finish slightly right of the target, therefore you should walk your body to the left around an imaginary clock face, so the clubface is closer to facing the target but still lofted.
The last point that I believe will help you play the lob wedge with success is to ensure the follow-through is at least as long as the backswing. This will ensure the club head is accelerating through impact. A major problem tends to be players quitting on the shot.
Jon Watts can be contacted at Brocton Hall on 01785 661 901. If you've got a question for one of our PGA professionals, email Ask The Pro
10 August, 2009 | The PGA