Wedge Pyramid: Raphaël Jacquelin's Pre-Shot Routine
How does a Tour player work on his wedge distances? At the driving range with the French Golf Federation, Raphaël Jacquelin reveals the pyramid drill he does every morning and after returning from the course, as well as his distance system, which relies on just two wedges.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
The exercise comes from her coach: a pyramid of wedges. Raphaël Jacquelin starts at about 30 or 40 yards and increases the distance in 10-yard increments up to 110 yards, with two shots per distance. A distance is only considered valid if the ball lands within a narrow margin (about 7 feet on either side of the starting point); if he misses, he goes back down one level. He then works his way back down from 115 yards to 40 yards. He monitors the carry using a small radar device set up in front of him at the driving range. This precision work also helps him stay focused on what he’s doing rather than on the target, and maintain a swing that’s never at 100% speed.
Starting at 70 m, his distances are based on fixed swing patterns, with a 58° and a 52°. With the 58°: short grip and three-quarter swing (about 80% speed) for 72 m, short grip and full swing for 82 m, normal grip and full swing for 85 m. With the 52°: a short grip and three-quarter swing for 92 m, a short grip and full swing for 100 m, and a normal grip and full swing for 105 m. So he never tries to “slow down” his swing to hit 70 m—he chooses the combination that produces the desired distance.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Set up a rangefinder or use the driving range's rangefinder to measure the carry distance.
- Start at 35 yards with two balls: the distance is valid if they land within the designated area.
- Increase the height in 10-yard increments up to 110 yards, maintaining the same level of precision.
- If you fail at a level, go back down to the previous level before moving up again.
- Then descend another 100 m to 30 m.
- Measure your own fixed combinations: wedge, short or normal grip, three-quarter swing, or full swing.
- On the course, choose the club that matches the distance rather than adjusting your swing.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Hit wedges on the driving range without worrying about distance.
- Aim to hit your wedges at full speed.
- “Slow down” your swing by relying on feel to reduce the distance.
- Focusing on the target at the expense of form and carry distance.
- Thinking that your putts are the problem when your approach shots are landing too far from the hole.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- A pyramid that starts high and then goes down, with two balls per level
- A tolerance of a few meters at each level
- Personal stats: wedge, grip, swing arc, carry distance
- Challenge: Move down one level each time the ball goes out of bounds
Your Questions
How does Raphaël Jacquelin's wedge pyramid work?
He starts at 30 or 40 yards and increases the distance in 10-yard increments up to 110 yards, throwing two balls at each distance. A distance is only counted if the balls land within a narrow margin; otherwise, he goes back down one level. He then works his way back down to 40 yards.
Do you need a Trackman to do this exercise?
No. Raphaël Jacquelin uses a small GPS device with a radar function, which he places in front of him at the driving range. The video also points out that more and more driving ranges are equipped with radar systems.
How does it achieve ranges beyond 75 yards?
With fixed combinations: at 58°, short grip and three-quarter swing for 72 m; short grip and full swing for 82 m; normal grip for 85 m; at 52°, 92, 100, and 105 m using the same settings.
Why not really go for it with your wedges?
Because wedge play is all about control: spin, trajectory, and distance. For Raphaël Jacquelin, this swing—which is never at 100% speed—actually helps him execute the rest of his game more effectively.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Raphaël Jacquelin). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.