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Draw or FadePitching WedgesSpin (create a…)Wedge play = Pitching and Chipping Wedges Expert ⏱ 12 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Jon Rahm's Open-Face Wedges: His Reference Points

At the TaylorMade driving range, Jon Rahm breaks down his wedge shots: swings calculated in percentages, a clubface that’s almost always open, and a draw feel when he wants to reduce spin. An expert session that offers very practical insights into controlling ball flight.

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Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

18 minSame problemFlighted Wedges from Scheffler, Morikawa and KordaScottie Scheffler · Expert7 minSame problemMatthieu Pavon's Controlled Draw: Clubface Toward the GroundMatthieu Pavon · Expert6 minFrom the same proJon Rahm's Consistency: Driver and 7-Iron, Ten in a RowJon Rahm · Expert

What the lesson shows

Jon Rahm already has a short swing: his three-quarters corresponds roughly to a 90° clubface angle. He therefore thinks in terms of percentages of his feel (full, three-quarters, half) rather than specific positions; his half-swing covers about 55 yards. Most importantly, he hits rarely a wedge with a square face: He keeps his clubface open and stays aggressive at the ball. His natural shot has a slight fade. To hit a straighter shot or add a slight draw, he simply moves the ball back in his stance; he also adjusts his ball position to control the height of his shot.

He also works on draws with his wedges: For him, the draw sensation “flattens out” the club’s impact and reduces spin, for a ball that bounces once and then stops. He says he needs spin to hit the ball low, especially in the wind. When facing a flag, he chooses based on the shot he wants: a low, aggressive 56°, or a 60° with a more square face and a draw feel to bring the ball back. His conclusion: knowing how to hit draws and fades with wedges gives you more shot options; without spin, you’re limited to just one.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Define three reference swings with the wedge: full, three-quarters, and half, based on how it feels.
  2. Note the distance for each player; Jon Rahm measures about 55 yards for his half-swing.
  3. Open the clubface slightly at address and stay active on the ball.
  4. To hit the ball straighter or with a slight draw, position the ball a little further back in your stance.
  5. To reduce spin, look for a draw feel that flattens the club's path at impact.
  6. On the same target, compare a 56° played low and aggressively with a 60° played more square, with a draw feel.

Key Takeaways

He measures his swings in percentages: full, three-quarters, half.
His three-quarter swing is roughly equivalent to a 90° club path, and his half-swing is about 50 m.
He plays almost all of his wedges with an open face, in an aggressive manner.
Ball positioned far back in the stance: straighter trajectory, slight draw.
The draw feel flattens the ball's flight and reduces spin.
In his view, spin is necessary for hitting the ball low and controlling it.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Think of the wedge in terms of arm positions rather than how the swing feels.
  • Play a square face by default without selecting a move.
  • Change your swing to curve the ball instead of moving the ball within your stance.
  • Aiming for a low, spin-free shot: Jon Rahm says it's spin that controls the ball.
  • Limit yourself to a single wedge shot.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Three swings (full, three-quarter, half) at the same target; distances recorded
  2. Open-face series: same swing, ball moved forward and then back
  3. A draw-like feel for bounce and stop
  4. The same flag was flown on the 56th and then on the 60th

Your Questions

How does Jon Rahm define his half-swings?

In terms of how it feels, not in terms of positions. Since his swing is already short, his three-quarter swing corresponds roughly to the club being at a 90° angle, and his half-swing covers about 55 yards.

Why does he play his wedges with an open face?

He says he rarely hits a wedge with a square face. With an open face, he can still hit the ball aggressively and maintain spin, even on short shots.

What is the purpose of the "draw" feel with a wedge?

She flattens the club's impact and reduces backspin: the ball bounces once and then comes to a stop. He uses this technique, for example, with a 60° clubface set more square to guide the ball toward a flag on the back nine.

What changes for a more straight shot?

He simply moves the ball back in his stance. His natural shot has a slight fade; with the ball moved back, it becomes straight or with a slight draw.

Learn More

All “Draw Effect or Fade Effect” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Pitching and Wedges” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Spin” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll videos on “Wedge Play = Pitching and Chipping” →Find the lesson that's right for you Flighted Wedges from Scheffler, Morikawa and KordaThree champions rarely hit a wedge full: use a longer club, a smoother swing, and less spin for a low ball flight and consistent control. Bump-and-run and flop shot: three shots around the greenAround the green, there are two techniques: the bump-and-run with your shoulders (without using your hands), and an open face with hands free for downhill chips and flop shots. Fade and Draw from Your Stance: Start from a Straight ShotStart from a completely neutral straight shot, then open your stance for a fade and close it for a draw, without changing your grip or ball position. Jon RahmAll of his lessons

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