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Pitch ShotsPitching WedgesCourse ManagementWedge play = Pitching and Chipping Wedges Expert ⏱ 2 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

A High, Soft Shot with a Wedge: Dubuisson's Commitment

Seventy meters, a flag tucked behind a bunker, a firm green, and the wind at his back. Victor Dubuisson plays a “high, soft” shot here: a strategy that takes the bunker out of the equation, and a divot-free wedge shot.

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Victor Dubuisson
Victor Dubuisson · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.
Schedule · Step 5 of 7Master the Mental Game in 7 StepsValid when: Before each shot, you announce your target and your shot, and you do not change your mind.
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To be continued

8 minSame problemJustin Rose's Approach to Short Game PlayJustin Rose · Expert13 minSame problemJustin Thomas's chip shot: the “nippy”Justin Thomas · Expert2 minFrom the same proVictor Dubuisson's Swing: Stance, Swing Plane, and BackswingVictor Dubuisson · Expert

What the lesson shows

For Victor Dubuisson, a shot is decided first and foremost in the mind. A short pin, a bunker in front, and a firm, fast green: he takes the bunker and the short shot out of the equation by aiming for a landing spot 7 to 13 feet behind the flag. He knows the ball won't necessarily end up there, but this intention keeps him from playing too cautiously, from to slow down and to lack commitment.

On the technical side, he is looking for the divot-free wedge shot up to 70–80 m. So he opens the clubface slightly to take advantage of the bounce, using a strong left-hand grip: the clubface glides over the ground. With a square clubface on against-the-grain grass, the club loses its bounce and sinks into the ground. He swings around his body to catch all the grass blades, positioning the ball near his left foot for clean contact and a softer shot. His takeaway: a high, soft shot is played as a “draw” and without divots.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Assess the situation: flag position, obstacles, green firmness, wind.
  2. Choose a landing spot 7 to 13 feet behind the flag.
  3. Open the face of your wedge slightly.
  4. Use a fairly strong left-handed grip.
  5. Place the ball near your left foot.
  6. Swing around, letting the sole of your shoe glide across the ground without taking up any divots.
  7. Speed toward the finish, heading toward your landing spot.

Key Takeaways

Intent comes before technique: aim 7 to 13 feet behind the flag.
Playing too cautiously slows you down and costs you commitment.
For distances up to 70–80 m, aim for a wedge shot without leaving a divot.
The clubface is slightly open and the left grip has a strong grip: the club slides across the ground.
A square face on a counter-grain cut sinks into the ground.
Kick with your left foot for a clean touch and a softer ball.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Aim just above the bunker and slow down.
  • Playing with a square clubface on against-the-grain grass: the club sinks into the ground.
  • Look for a divot at these distances.
  • Keep the bunker in mind when you take your swing.
  • A ball hit too far back that goes out low and hard.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Mark a spot 7 to 13 feet behind the flag as the intended target
  2. Divot-free series at 50, 65 to 75 yards
  3. A few shots on grass against the grain to get a feel for the bounce
  4. Just one rule when hitting the ball: commitment

Your Questions

Why aim behind the flag on this shot?

To take the bunker and the short shot out of the equation. Victor Dubuisson points out that the ball won’t necessarily land 7 to 13 feet behind the pin, but that aiming too close would cause it to slow down.

Should you take a divot with a wedge from 75 yards?

No, not according to him: for distances up to 70–80 m, he aims for a divot-free wedge shot with the clubface slightly open so that the club glides over the ground.

Why open the face up a little?

To use the bounce. With a square clubface—especially on grass with the grain running against the club—the club loses its bounce and sinks into the ground.

Where should I place the ball so it feels softer?

Toward his left foot. By swinging around himself, he gets a fairly clean ball—and therefore one that’s a little softer.

Learn More

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