How Do You Play/Setup For a 20-40yd Shot?

[SW20 MR2]

I have always had trouble with a 20-40 or so yard shot. How do you setup and play it if a bump and run isn't an option (ie. bunker in the way)? What club do you use? I always end up hitting way thin and drilling the ball over the green.

[laxgolf]

I have always had trouble with a 20-40 or so yard shot. How do you setup and play it if a bump and run isn't an option (ie. bunker in the way)? What club do you use? I always end up hitting way thin and drilling the ball over the green.
Two shots I'd use, depending on the lie.

ball sitting up (flop shot with 60 degree wedge) - open up my stance quite a bit, grip down and focus on sliding the club under the ball. the ball will pop up and land softly on the green.

tight lie - use my 56 wedge, I lean the shaft a little forward and chop/swing downwards on the ball. Make sure to hit the ball before the ground. This will cause the ball to land and check up with little or nor roll or to suck back a little. Commit to the shot and don't be afraid to pull it off. You have to hit this shot hard in order to generate enough spin.

[tk416]

60* lob...

don't be afraid to swing through... Keep your head down shorten your backswing

[yuggy]

60 degree lob like tk416 and laxgolf....
but i'm still working on that shot....not too much confidence in it at the moment.

[Focker Singh]

Ever see that commercial? "Pretend you're sitting on a small horse...balance a egg on your head...hit over the fence...hold your club like a hose..." Nevermind...:rofl:

I use a 60deg (56 will work too but you have to open the face more) and open my stance too with the ball addressed a little more to my front foot. Make sure you accelerate through, don't slow or stop your swing or else you'll just chunk it into the bunker. Pretend your club is a spatula and you're going to shoval an egg. Good luck!

[tk416]

Ever see that commercial? "Pretend you're sitting on a small horse...balance a egg on your head...hit over the fence...hold your club like a hose..." Nevermind...:rofl:

:D :D :D
rotfl

[SW20 MR2]

Hmmm, I think one of my problems is that I've been playing the ball back in my stance like I would a regular chip shot. I will move it forward.

On the backswing, do you take the club straight back as you would a chip or do you do a short version of your regular backswing?

[Special_K]

Hmmm, I think one of my problems is that I've been playing the ball back in my stance like I would a regular chip shot. I will move it forward.

On the backswing, do you take the club straight back as you would a chip or do you do a short version of your regular backswing?
For that kind of shot, I hit a choke down 60 deg, half swing. Ball position center or closer to the front. Anytime you play the ball in the back of your stance, club is delofted (e.g., punch shots, low stingers, etc.). Same swing, just shortened.

[Mule56]

I have always had trouble with a 20-40 or so yard shot. How do you setup and play it if a bump and run isn't an option (ie. bunker in the way)? What club do you use? I always end up hitting way thin and drilling the ball over the green.sw,
One more piece is need to give you any suggestion. Were is the pin on the green? After that get Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible and read what Dave has to say about the shots. Four wedges - same back swing lengths - 4 different results. Pin tucked close to the edge - lob wedge, little room to play with - sand wedge, more room to play with gap wedge, lost of room to play with, pitching wedge. Same swing. Ball in the middle of a narrow stance, neutral grip. Left toe turned open to 45 degrees. Turn back to a 7:30 arm postion turn through to face the target, hands head high. Smooth and constant pace. DON'T STOP AT THE BALL - FOLLOW THROUGH.
Mule