use a wedge or not

is there a knack for using a wedge '

i just can't get the hang of using mine  .so at the moment i find using a 7 iron

works quite well for me. sometimes i even use a 9 iron to clear bunkers and finding im improving that part of my game ( shame about the rest )

my question is  .  should i just persist in trying to use the wedge or just carry on using irons . i do get some funny looks when people see me near the greens using  a 7/9irons

Yes, Kevin, there is a knack in hitting a wedge. It is the same knack that you use for every one of your irons, that you have no trouble with.

You are blading them because you are looking to where you hope the ball will finish before you have hit it. Concentration is the key.

Kevin, you are talking about "Chipping" aren't you?

I'll say the same thing that Mark Roe told Richard Finch, "open up the stance and don't try and play it with the shoulders, hit it with the arms". I will add my bit too. Use the loft on the Club and don't try to get it airbourne, thats what the clubs for.

I have been practicing opening the club face on my sand wedge to really get the 'flop' effect (no comments there Wayne )

I find holding the club lower down and sweeping under the ball really works for me.

The very first lesson I had when I joined my golf club was with the wedge.

I had real trouble from about 40 yards.

The ball would fly through the green like a cruise missile or I would hit a divot further than the ball would go!

After the lesson, and some practice I now think my lob wedge is my best club.

All I was told was....

Ball in the middle of my stance

Hands in front of the ball

Shoulders aimed at the target

Feet and hips open

Weight on my front foot (about 75%)

And only swing back with a 3/4 swing.

Works every time for me now.

Russ