Struggling to control your wedge distances inside 100 yards? In this insightful article, Coach Vashi shares a simple yet highly effective system used by skilled golfers to improve distance control, consistency, and scoring performance. Learn how combining swing length and grip position can help you build a reliable wedge matrix, hit shots closer to the pin, and lower your scores. Read on to discover how a structured golf coaching approach to wedge play can transform your short game.
If you’re like most golfers, shots inside 100 yards can often feel unpredictable. One shot flies pin-high, the next comes up short or long. Valuable scoring opportunities are lost.
The good news is that great wedge play isn’t about perfect timing or exceptional feel. It’s about creating a repeatable system that allows you to control distance consistently.
We encourage golfers to simplify wedge play by focusing on three key fundamentals:
- Consistent Swing Length.
- Consistent Tempo.
- Centered Contact on the Clubface.
Master these Fundamentals to develop confidence with your wedges
Step 1: Control Distance Through Swing Length.
One of the easiest ways to create predictable wedge distances is to vary the length of your backswing and follow-through while maintaining the same rhythm and tempo.
Three Stock Swing Lengths
Waist-High Swing
Produces your shortest carry distance.
Ideal for shorter approach shots and controlled pitches.
Chest-High Swing
Produces a medium carry distance.
Useful for a wide variety of scoring shots.
Shoulder-High Swing
Produces your longest controlled wedge shot
Ideal when maximum wedge distance is required.
The important point is that the tempo remains constant. Distance is created by the length of the swing and centered contact on the clubface.
While swing length and tempo help control distance, quality strike remains equally important. Consistently finding the centre of the clubface requires good body movement and pressure shift throughout the swing. Learn more about how centre of pressure influences strike quality, distance, and loft in our detailed guide.
Step 2: Fine-Tune Yardages Using Grip Length.
Once your swing lengths are established, grip position becomes an excellent way to make small, precise distance adjustments.
GRIP POSITION – TYPICAL EFFECTS
Long Grip (hands at the end of the club) Full distance.
Mid Grip (hands approximately 1–2 inches down) – 5–10% less distance
Short Grip (hands approximately 3–4 inches down) – 10–20% less distance
Think of grip length as your fine-tuning tool.
A shorter grip effectively shortens the club and reduces distance without requiring any change in swing speed or effort.
Step 3: Build Your Distance Matrix
By combining swing length and grip length, you can create a simple and reliable wedge system using a single club.
Swing Length Categories
(Backswing & Follow-Through)
Length Distance Category
Waist-High Short
Chest-High Medium
Shoulder-High Long
Combine these three swing lengths with three grip positions:
Long Grip
Mid Grip
Short Grip
This creates nine stock wedge shots, each with a predictable carry distance.
Instead of relying purely on feel, you can select a proven combination that matches the shot required.
Understanding the System:
A simple way to think about it is:
Grip Length = Fine Adjustment
It creates smaller distance changes and allows you to dial in specific yardages.
Swing Length = Major Adjustment
Swing length creates the larger distance gaps and forms the foundation of the system.
Together they provide a practical framework for controlling wedge distances with confidence.
Try this Practice Drill: Create Your Personal Wedge Chart.
Creating an accurate wedge distance matrix becomes much easier when practicing in an indoor simulator environment. Modern launch monitors provide precise carry distances, launch conditions, and strike data, allowing golfers to build reliable yardage charts with confidence. If you’re new to simulator training, check out our guide on starting your golfing journey with indoor simulator bays.
Every golfer’s distances are different, which is why it’s important to develop your own yardage matrix.
Practice Session
Choose one wedge, such as your sand wedge.Hit 10 shots for each grip and swing-length combination.Measure and record the average carry distance.
Build a personal 3 × 3 distance chart.Use these stock yardages on the golf course.
During practice, focus on the following:
- Consistent tempo.
- Consistent setup.
- Consistent ball position.
Carry distance rather than total distance.
The Result: More Confidence and closer to the pin Inside 100 Yards.
The best wedge players don’t rely solely on feel. They build repeatable systems that allow them to produce consistent distances under pressure.
By using one wedge, three grip positions and three swing lengths, you can create nine reliable yardages without manipulating swing speed or technique.
The result is greater consistency, improved proximity to the hole and ultimately lower scores.
If you’d like to develop a personalised wedge matrix and improve your scoring performance from inside 100 yards, contact us to book a coaching session.
