Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnsons Wedge Clinic | TaylorMade Golf
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updated 23 Aug 2023
In this practice session, Chris Trot from Team TaylorMade discusses wedge play with professional golfers Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson. Here are the Key Insights to the Scoring Zone:
The area within 120 yards and in around the green is referred to as the "scoring zone."
Wedges, especially those with lofts between 50 and 60 degrees, are considered scoring clubs as they allow precision and control.
Bounce and Wedge Selection:
Bounce refers to the design of the sole of a wedge that interacts with the turf. High-bounce wedges are preferred on softer turf.
Rory McIlroy explains how he transitioned to using high-bounce wedges for better performance on different types of greens, such as bermuda or bent grass.
Controlling Spin and Trajectory:
Both players emphasize controlling spin and trajectory to effectively place shots near the hole.
The goal is to regulate spin to achieve the desired distance and stopping power on the green.
Golf Ball Choice and Spin:
McIlroy and Johnson use the TaylorMade TP5x golf ball, which offers slightly less spin compared to other balls.
Controlling spin is crucial for accurate wedge shots, especially for holding the green.
Practice and Yardage Considerations:
The players discuss spending significant time practicing wedges due to the high number of scoring opportunities within 150 yards.
Practice involves simulating different scenarios, including varying distances, trajectories, and spins.
Club Setup and Changing Clubs:
Johnson explains how he modifies his club setup based on different distances and conditions to control distance and spin.
Both players discuss using different wedges for varying situations, with Johnson favoring his pitching wedge for its controlled spin.
Divot Patterns and Swing Mechanics:
Divot patterns on wedge shots offer insights into a player's swing mechanics and ball contact.
Both players focus on consistently controlling divot depth and direction for optimal performance.
Influence of Tiger Woods:
Tiger Woods' transition to becoming a proficient wedge player from an early stage of his career has influenced McIlroy and Johnson's approach to wedge play.
Practice on the Course:
Both players emphasize that while range practice is crucial, practicing on the course allows them to practice real-world shots, including slopes, bunkers, and different lies.
Lie Angle and Ball Flight:
Johnson and McIlroy discuss fine-tuning lie angles to achieve the desired ball flight and spin.
Competition and Challenges:
The transcript ends with a friendly competition to see who can hit the closest shot to the hole from a specific distance.