Golf Short Game Club Selection and Technique Advisor

Advises on short game club selection and technique

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Category:
Golf Clubs & Gear
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Description

Explains pitching, chipping, putting, and lob shot selection technique fundamentals, and lie considerations to improve up-and-down percentage.

Use Cases

This tool is perfect for improving up-and-downs by understanding club selection and technique for different lies and distances.

Inputs/Variables Explained

Inputs include primary short game shot, lie condition, distance to hole, green conditions, current short game issue, experience level, and preferred short game style, explaining shot type, technique, and club choice fundamentals. These choices cover chipping to bunker play. This tool provides short game principles but cannot replace practice for touch and feel.

Output Examples

Short Game Analysis for Bunker Explosion Shot

Shot Type Analysis

When faced with a Bunker Explosion shot from a bunker located 10-30 yards from the green, especially on a fast firm surface, it’s essential to understand the dynamics of the shot:

  1. Objective: The goal is to lift the ball quickly out of the sand and onto the green, allowing for a controlled roll toward the hole.
  2. Ball Position: Position the ball slightly forward in your stance, which helps to engage the leading edge of the club.
  3. Swing Path: Focus on a steep, descending blow that enters the sand just behind the ball. This helps to create the necessary lift.
  4. Follow-Through: A full follow-through is critical to maintain momentum and ensure the ball travels the desired distance.

Technique Fundamentals

Executing a successful bunker shot involves understanding key principles:

  1. Weight Distribution:
    • 70% on the front foot: This promotes a downward strike into the sand.
    • 30% on the back foot: This stabilizes your stance and helps with balance.
  2. Lie Interaction:
    • In a bunker, the sand acts as a cushion. You need to enter the sand before the ball, which means your club will glide through the sand rather than digging in.
    • Soft grip on the club allows for better feel and control during the shot.
  3. Practice Focus: As a beginner, focus on:
    • Consistent sand entry: Practice hitting the sand at the same distance behind the ball.
    • Controlled follow-through: Avoid decelerating at impact to prevent chunks and fats.

Club Selection Guide

Choosing the right club is crucial for executing the bunker explosion effectively:

  1. Club Choice:
    • Sand Wedge (SW): Ideal for bunker shots due to its loft (54-58 degrees), which helps in lifting the ball quickly.
    • Lob Wedge (LW): An alternative for even more loft, especially useful for shorter distances or when you need more height.
  2. Execution Tips:
    • Open the Clubface: This increases loft and helps the club glide through the sand.
    • Grip Pressure: Maintain a light grip to enhance feel and prevent tension, which can lead to poor contact.

Conclusion

Improving your short game, particularly in bunker situations, can save you more strokes than refining your full swing. Focus on the fundamentals of weight distribution, lie interaction, and club selection. With practice, your ability to execute bunker shots will improve dramatically.

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About The Creator

The Tool Collective Team

The Tool Collective are a group of diverse and talented hobbyists on a mission to create thousands of ultra specific, and helpful decision making tools that help others who share our passions and interests. Whether they help with buying decisions, or give you expert level advice for techniques or methods, we will make it. We are all huge golf enthusiasts and have been playing since we were all very young. Golf is a category we will be continuing to expand upon and build until we create a huge library of diverse and incredibly helpful golf tools for fellow golfers. Enjoy!

How It Was Made

Made with The Tool Collective's signature model. We combine an AI engine which process the user's input choices and runs it through our specifically designed logic and reasoning parameters for that tool to curate a precise and organized output. An enthusiast knowledgeable in the tool category designs the tools inputs and input choices, writes custom logic parameters, and defines the output format and requirements. The AI engine powers the system and creates a lightning fast, highly intelligent decision tool, which is always up-to-date with current pricing and publicly available information on whatever the tool is designed for. Combines all of the internets resources into one.

Tags

Golf, Golf Club, Driver, Iron, Wood, Wedge, Putter, Blade, Cavity, Golf Balls, Handicap

Date Published

January 16, 2026

Last Updated

January 16, 2026
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Dsiclaimer

The tools and resources provided on this website are AI-powered and for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and reliable results, the outputs generated by our tools may contain errors or inaccuracies. Users are responsible for verifying any results before making decisions or taking action. By using these tools, you acknowledge that we are not liable for any damages, losses, or consequences arising from the use of our tools or the information provided. Always exercise your own judgment and consult a qualified professional when necessary.

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