56 degree wedge

Question
Hi John,
I play golf about twice a month.  I usually shoot around 90. When I play 3-4 times a month I can generally shoot in the high 80's. Well, here's my question: This year I have been very inconsistent with my 56 degree wedge (and my 60 degree wedge is a nightmare for me to try to hit. So, unless I'm in sand, I no longer use a club lower than a pitching wedge. In past years I've usually liked hitting the 56 degree wedge and could generally expect to be either on or near the green.  Any suggestions that might help me put the sand wedge wedge back in my game?  

Thanks for taking the time.
Dan

Answer
Hi Dan:  I could answer your question better if you told me what your shots are like, ie., fat, thin....  What I've found when people complain of inconsistency is that they are either out of position or out of balance.  Both usually occur as they are related.

Because the wedges are shorter, people tend to crowd the ball, bend the knees too much and end up sitting on the heels at address.  This puts the golfer in poor balance at address and results in his inability to shift his weight causing him to stand up in the forward swing. The other thing that happens, also because of poor balance, is the player makes a slight sway in the backswing and hits the shot fat because he can't shift his weight forward from the heels.

To correct this, if this is what is happening in your case, I would make sure you are:
1.  Reaching the ball by bending from the hips.
2.  Barely flex your knees. (just unlock them)
3.  Stand far enough from the ball to allow your arms to hang
   from the shoulder.
This position makes it possible to begin the swing on the balls of the feet and at least give yourself a chance to stay with the shot without swaying and/or rocking on your heels.

One more thing to check is your alignment.  Be sure you are standing parallel to your target line.  In other words, your feet, hips and shoulders should be pointing to a point parallel left of the target line.  (Presuming you are right-handed)

Dan, if this doesn't solve your problem, write back and give me more information.

Fairways and Greens,
John
www.golfnutts.com