As we move past the U.S. Open, golf enthusiasts are entering what many consider to be the best part of the season – links season. This is the time when regular golfers embark on buddy trips abroad and professional golfers start rolling through Scotland. To kick off the excitement for links season, Sean Zak, a talented writer at Golf.com, recently discussed his experiences in St. Andrews on a podcast. Originally from Wisconsin, Sean had to adapt to the unique conditions of links golf and even shared a useful chipping tip for fellow golfers.
One term that Sean discussed during the podcast was “bounce”. This term refers to the angle and width of the sole of the club. Having more bounce on your wedge can prevent chunked shots, as it helps the club bounce off the ground rather than dig into it. However, in the dry sandy turf of links golf, too much bounce can lead to difficulties. Sean found that his high-bounce lob wedge was causing him to skull shots over the green. As a solution, he began using his lower lofted wedge – a 52 degree – which allowed him to dig the club more into the ground for a better ball flight with backspin and crisp contact.
According to Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher Michael Breed, using a lower lofted wedge on dry and linksland turf can be highly beneficial. This type of wedge helps create a low driving ball flight with plenty of backspin and precise contact. By reaching for a lower-lofted wedge in these conditions, golfers may find that their chipping improves significantly. Sean’s experience with adjusting his wedge choice based on the specific turf conditions of links golf serves as a valuable lesson for golfers looking to enhance their game during this part of the season.
As golfers gear up for links season and prepare to face the challenges of dry and sandy turf, Sean Zak’s chipping tip serves as a reminder to adapt to the conditions and make strategic adjustments to improve performance. By understanding the role of bounce in wedge play and experimenting with different club selections, golfers can enhance their ability to chip effectively on linksland turf. This season presents a unique opportunity for golfers to test their skills on some of the most historic and challenging courses in the world, and utilizing tips and advice from experienced players like Sean can help make the experience even more enjoyable and rewarding.
