Tip From the Archives
Texas Wedge
Problem
It is too windy to risk chipping onto the green. You might be afraid the ball will roll too much away from the hole because the grass is cut too short, the ground is firm, and dry.
Cure
A Texas Wedge shot is when you replace your short irons or wedges with your putter if the grass is short or firm enough. Use your putter up to 50 yards away to help limit mistakes due to wind or poor chipping abilities. Be careful, if the grass is long enough to change the direction of the putt or speed then chip it instead.
Therapy
Be sure to visualize the ball rolling from the fairway or fringe and try to evaluate if there are any bumps, dips, or other obstacles that will slow the ball down along its path. Take a wider stance with your knees flexed. Rest the putter just behind the ball; do not place the putter down into the ground because the grass could catch the putter on your backswing. Be sure to keep your head, upper body, and wrists still throughout the stroke. Accelerate the putter through the ball and make sure the club continues to move towards the target for a full follow through. A great way to practice the Texas Wedge shot is to putt on different carpet surfaces. Putting from a room with a shaggy carpet to one with tighter knit carpeting would be ideal. However, another great way to do this is to use a shaggy carpet with a bathtub mat or an indoor putting green. Putt from at least five feet way and try to get the ball up onto the mat. Then reverse the putt so you are starting from the mat and try to hit an object on your floor. Trying different surfaces around your house can help you gain a better feel for different possible grass densities and fringe textures that you might encounter on the course.
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