When Your Wedges Lose Their Bite
Wedge grooves wear gradually, quietly reducing spin and increasing rollout. See what testing reveals about groove wear, why dirt can produce similar results and how to determine whether your wedge...
This is one I see all the time—and it’s often misunderstood.
Your contact is likely solid.
But your distances aren’t predictable.
From 100 yards and in, that’s the difference between a birdie look and a difficult up-and-down.
You’re not missing badly—you’re missing just enough to cost you strokes.
• Shots coming up short more often than you think
• Occasional shots that fly long
• Inconsistent carry distances
That creates uncertainty—and uncertainty leads to poor decisions.
You don’t need to swing harder or change your mechanics.
You need to build a repeatable system for distance.
Start by controlling:
The best wedge players aren’t guessing—they’re repeating.

1. Ladder Drill
Pick targets at 30, 50, and 70 yards.
Hit each progressively—same rhythm, longer swing.
2. Clock System Drill
Assign swing lengths (8:00, 9:00, 10:00).
Match each to a consistent carry distance.
3. Same Swing, Different Club
Use different wedges with the same swing.
Let loft—not effort—control distance.
Even with a good swing, most wedges lose performance on mishits.
When more weight is positioned higher in the clubhead, you get:
• More consistent ball speed
• Better distance control
• Tighter dispersion
That’s the difference between hoping—and knowing—where the ball will finish.
Start hitting your wedge shots closer.
Download your free Short Game Guide and start improving immediately.
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About Bill Totten
Bill Totten is one of the most experienced wedge fitters in the game, with more than 40 years helping golfers improve scoring from 100 yards and in. As the former Director of Golf at Fripp Island, SC, Bill has worked with thousands of players—from beginners to low handicaps—focusing on the part of the game that matters most: the scoring zone.
His approach is simple—better contact, better distance control, and smarter practice lead to lower scores. The insights in your scoring profile are based on the same principles he’s used to help golfers consistently hit it closer and convert more opportunities.
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