Pitching WedgesWedge play = Pitching and Chipping Wedges Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 5 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Rory McIlroy's Wedges: Picking Up the Ball

Name: Rory McIlroy's Wedges: Picking Up the Ball
Uploaded: 2022-10-21T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 4 min 58 s
Channel: Rory McIlroy
Description: During a GolfPass clinic with Martin Hall, in front of young players, Rory McIlroy breaks down the fundamentals of wedge play. Technique, timing, and shot selection: he explains in simple terms what gives him control. Martin Hall picks up on a key word along the way.

During a GolfPass clinic with Martin Hall, in front of young players, Rory McIlroy breaks down the fundamentals of wedge play. Technique, timing, and shot selection: he explains in simple terms what gives him control. Martin Hall picks up on a key word along the way.

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Rory McIlroy · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

15 minNext Level UpBall Climbing Up the Wedge Face: 3 Shots by MorikawaCollin Morikawa · Intermediate / Expert 14 minSame problem35 to 55 Yard Pitch Shots: Jean-Baptiste GonnetJean-Baptiste Gonnet · Beginner / Intermediate 1 minFrom the same proThe Bump and Run Chip: Rory McIlroyRory McIlroy · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

At address, Rory McIlroy avoids being too stiff. Its supports are a little closer together than with a mid-iron or a driver, and the ball is in the middle of your stance, neither too far back nor too far forward. On these short swings, the arms tend to take over; to control his wedges, he instead tries to feel the arms and body moving through the ball together.

Martin Hall points out his choice of words: Rory doesn't say he hits the ball; he says he “pick up”. The player confirms: the ball is simply in the path of a synchronized swing, whereas with a driver there’s an actual swing. When choosing a shot, he takes the simplest and easiest option to repeat, depending on the flag and whether he wants the ball to roll or fly. When aiming at a nearby target, he doesn't think about the distance or his swing: he focuses on the landing spot, visualizes the trajectory, and lets his body react.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Use a soft grip, with your fingers slightly closer together than when using a medium-sized iron.
Place the ball in the center of your stance.
Rotate your arms and torso together throughout the entire movement.
Try to pick up the ball as you pass by rather than hitting it.
Before taking your shot, choose the simplest option based on the flag's position.
Determine the landing spot, visualize the path, and let your swing adjust accordingly.

Key Takeaways

With a wedge, your stance should be slightly narrower than with a mid-iron or a driver.

The ball is placed in the middle of the stance.

The arms and body move through the ball together.

Rory McIlroy is trying to pick up the ball rather than hit it.

He chooses the move that is simplest and easiest to repeat.

When shooting at a nearby target, he focuses on the point of impact and the trajectory.

Mistakes to Avoid

Being too stiff at address with a wedge.
Let your arms take over during the small swings.
Hit the ball with a wedge just as you would with a driver.
Always use the widest-opening wedge at 50 yards, without looking at the shot.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Short wedges: synchronized arms and body
Shots at a nearby target while focusing on the point of impact
Same distance played with two different options: a grounder or a fly ball

Your Questions

Where does Rory McIlroy place the ball when he uses a wedge?

In the middle of your stance, neither too far back nor too far forward, with your feet positioned slightly closer together than when using a mid-iron or a driver.

What does it mean to “pick up” the ball?

Rory McIlroy doesn't try to hit the ball with the wedge: he makes a synchronized movement with his arms and body, and the ball just happens to be in the way.

How does he choose his shot around the green?

He chooses the simplest option—the one he can repeat—depending on the flag and whether he wants the ball to roll or fly.

Learn More

All “Pitching and Wedges” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All videos on “Wedge Play = Pitching and Chipping” →Find the lesson that's right for you Justin Thomas's backspin pitch: grip and handsHigh pitch that stops: light left-hand grip in the palm, hands low to set up the bounce, long-putt tempo, and a “thrown” head for more spin. Ball Climbing Up the Wedge Face: 3 Shots by MorikawaToo much loft at impact causes the ball to rise off the clubface: Morikawa demonstrates how to avoid this with a 40-yard wedge shot, a lob, and an uphill pitch. A Partial Wedge Shot That Bites: The Morikawa MethodA feel-based system rather than a clock, a short backswing without decelerating, and a descending strike even uphill to make the ball bite. Rory McIlroyAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Rory McIlroy). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.