Unlocking Your Wedge Game: Alex Noren’s Essential Drill for Better Contact

By: Maddi MacClurg
Published: May 15, 2025

When standing on the golf course, particularly in the fairway, confidence plays a significant role in your performance. Are you equipped with the mental fortitude to attack the pin with your wedge in hand, or do anxiety and self-doubt creep in? If you find yourself questioning your short game, fear not. The solution could lie in a straightforward and effective drill shared by professional golfer Alex Noren. Known for his exceptional skills with wedge shots and current performances on the Tour, Noren has developed targeted techniques that promise to improve your contact and precision, specifically with scoring shots ranging from 50 to 75 yards.

Understanding the Importance of Solid Contact

In golf, especially when it comes to short-game situations, solid contact is crucial. It significantly affects not only distance but also control over spin and trajectory. For golfers, the pressure of executing these shots can often result in tension, leading to less-than-ideal performance. This is where Noren’s drill becomes invaluable. By focusing on a few key elements, players can enhance their confidence and execution on the course.

Introducing Noren’s Range Drill

To effectively implement Noren’s drill, you’ll need access to a practice range. The first step is simple: position a club or alignment rod about a foot behind your golf ball. This should be perpendicular to your target line. Noren suggests using a mid-to-low lofted wedge, such as a 56-degree club. The purpose of this setup is not to restrict your swing but rather to guide your form and remind you of essential mechanics while mitigating the urge to scoop the golf ball.

Technique: Avoiding the Scoop

One of the common pitfalls for many golfers is the desire to "help" the ball into the air. In his drill, Noren emphasizes the importance of avoiding this impulse. Instead, he advocates for a mindset focused on missing the alignment stick while maintaining a compact swing. “It’s not all about the divot; it’s about the angle of attack,” Noren explains while demonstrating the drill. By missing the stick, golfers can practice coming in at a steeper angle, which enhances the likelihood of striking the ball cleanly.

Enhancing Your Angle of Attack

A steep angle of attack encourages a ball-first contact, essential for controlling spin and achieving desired trajectories. This improvement in contact is vital for successful wedge play. Not only does it aid in achieving a cleaner strike, but it sets up more favorable conditions for scoring. As you continue practicing this drill, gradually increase the length and motion of your swing while prioritizing the same clean contact and avoidance of the alignment stick.

Building Consistency and Confidence

With repetition and dedication, golfers can significantly elevate their game. Noren’s drill promotes a systematic approach to improving wedge play, allowing players to build consistency and thus enhance their confidence on crucial scoring shots. The goal is to master the ability to hit your wedges close to the hole, setting the stage for easy two-putts and the chance to get up and down from virtually any position on the green.

Equip Yourself with the Right Wedge

Having the right equipment can make a substantial difference in your performance. The Titleist Vokey WedgeWorks SM10 V Grind Custom Wedge is an excellent choice for players looking to enhance their short game. Designed specifically for versatility, this lob wedge features a higher bounce that helps to prevent excessive digging, making it ideal for those with a steeper angle of attack. The V Grind offers exceptional performance under normal to soft conditions, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for any situation on the course.

Noren’s Strategy in Competitive Play

Currently cementing his place at the 2025 PGA Championship, Alex Noren’s focus on short approaches has propelled him into contention. His ability to manage pressure while executing pivotal scoring shots has been a determining factor in his success. As amateurs and professionals alike analyze Noren’s techniques, it’s evident that consistent practice and focus on mechanical fundamentals can lead to improvements even in high-stakes scenarios.

Conclusion: Mastering Your Wedges

Incorporating Alex Noren’s range drill into your training regime could be a game-changer. Whether you’re a beginner seeking to elevate your skills or an experienced golfer aiming for perfection, focusing on solid contact with wedges will yield substantial benefits. Remember, the road to lower scores and improved performance is paved with practice, confidence, and the right techniques. Embrace the challenge, put these drills into action, and prepare to watch your wedge game improve, hole after hole.

Call to Action

To further enhance your golf game, consider investing in quality equipment such as the Titleist Vokey WedgeWorks SM10 V Grind. Available through WedgeWorks on Vokey.com, this wedge is designed to help you achieve the best possible results. From practice drills to competitive rounds, equip yourself for success and enjoy every moment on the course.

Explore more drills, tips, and equipment choices to improve your golf game by visiting Golf.com.