Rickie Fowler's Wedge Backspin: When to Try It
Everyone wants a pitch shot that stops dead. Rickie Fowler shows how he plays it—with a clubface that stays open—but emphasizes above all when to attempt it: only when the lie allows it. The rest of the time, he chooses the simplest shot.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
For a pitch of about 50 yards with a tailwind toward a flag in the background, Rickie Fowler doesn’t aim for a stop: he grabs a 56° wedge and takes the same swing he would use with a lob wedge for 30 yards, resulting in a flight of about 40 yards followed by roll. It’s a short swing grid which he then adjusts according to the wind and the grain. On a tight, against-the-grain grain, he prefers hit it harder, ball first, rather than aiming for a neutral impact by using the rebound, which he finds difficult. For a powerful shot, his first rule is: The place decides. From a bad lie, the chances are slim. With no obstacles to clear, an 7-iron, a 4-iron, or a putter is often enough for an amateur.
When the context allows, he coat the surface (lower your hands so the sole of the club rests firmly on the ground), take a slightly open stance to swing across the ball, then feel the clubface “open” slightly and Keep this angle until the very end, like in a bunker: facing him at the finish, with the leading edge not closing. Dry conditions help; water reduces spin. Grip pressure: about 5 out of 10, just enough to maintain control, with his arms unlocked. From a medium lie above a bunker, he prefers the 56°, which offers more sole and bounce, with the ball positioned forward and his weight on the front of his feet. His philosophy: a shot that lands 8 feet from a bad spot is still a good shot—there’s no need to try to be a hero.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Check the bite: if it's bad, skip the cast.
- Ask yourself if a chip shot (with an iron or putter) might be easier.
- For a biting shot: lower your head and let your hands drop so that the sole of your shoe rests on the ground.
- Widen your stance slightly so you can swing through the ball.
- As you cross over, feel the face open slightly and maintain that angle until the finish.
- Hold the grip at about a 5 out of 10, with your arms relaxed.
- From a medium lie over a bunker, use a wedge with a wider sole, position the ball further forward, and shift your weight to the front.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- To take a shot that connects from a bad spot.
- Choosing a wedge when a putt would suffice.
- Let the face close as you cross over.
- Grip the handle tightly and lock your arms.
- Back up the ball to hit a shot over an obstacle.
- Trying to be a hero instead of playing it safe to finish the hole.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Swing chart: from a 30-yard swing to a 56° lob wedge shot
- A punch that really packs a punch only after a few drinks
- Face down, arms held at a right angle, face turned toward you at the finish
- A 56° pitch over a bunker, ball moved forward
Your Questions
When does Rickie Fowler attempt a risky shot?
Only when the lie allows it. He explains that you can play it from a bad lie, but that the chances of making it are almost zero. The rest of the time, he chooses the simplest shot.
How does he keep his face open?
He sets the clubface square at address, lowers his hands so the sole rests on the ground, then feels the clubface open slightly and maintains that angle, just like in a bunker. At the finish, facing the target, the clubface is pointing toward him.
What grip pressure does he recommend?
About 5 out of 10: enough to control the club with one hand and prevent it from being yanked away, but with your arms unlocked to allow the clubhead to rotate.
Which wedge does he use to hit out of a bunker from a medium lie?
The 56° rather than the 60°: more sole and bounce, making contact easier. It moves the ball forward and keeps the weight on the front, with a stable lower body.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Rickie Fowler). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.