Wedge Matrix: Crucial Tips For The Struggling Golfer

What is the Wedge Matrix?

The Wedge Matrix is a simple yet powerful tool for improving your golf game regarding your short game. Golfers can achieve a solid short game within 100 yards if they are organized and committed to their approach.

There are many ways to improve your short game effectively, but the wedge matrix is one of my favorites because of its simplicity. In my opinion, some of the most significant resources we can use during a round of golf are the most straightforward options available.

A wedge matrix is a chart that helps golfers quickly determine the wedge needed for a specific distance. You can update the matrix regularly as your game develops and clubs change to accommodate new lengths.

How do I make a wedge matrix?

To make the matrix, you only need an index card and pen. The two items are not locked in; anything that is portable and holds the information will work. I like to keep the index card in the golf bag because it doesn’t require batteries or a device to access the info.

Regarding setup, you will use a ruler or straight edge to draw a grid on the card. It would be best if you had four columns and however many rows you need to have the information for the wedges included.

In the first row will be all the headings for the chart. From left to right, label them: Club, Ribs, Shoulder, and Full. The following rows will only have the information for the clubs as you won’t have any data to enter distance-wise yet.

If you have a 45-degree (Pitching Wedge), 50-degree (Gap Wedge or Approach Wedge), 55-degree (Sand Wedge), and 60-degree (Lob Wedge), then you would need a row for each. If you have less, make less; if you, for some crazy reason, have more, make more.

The only thing left now is to collect the data for your matrix.

Where do I get the information for the Wedge Matrix?

To fill in your wedge matrix, you will need some time on the range or with a launch monitor that provides carry distance.

For the data collection phase of this process, you must highlight two things: The more swings you have, the more accurate your numbers will become, and your focus is carried distance, not total distance.

The wedge matrix is designed to showcase what swing lengths with different clubs will deliver. Before you dive in, understanding the objective is essential. You are not hitting towards a target distance, as that will cause you to subconsciously make adjustments to your swing and impact how you arrive at your desired result.

Instead of focusing on a target, focus on the length of each swing as described below.

Ribs – With this swing, you’re taking your back swing as you usually do but are not allowing your hands to move higher than the bottom of your rib cage. From here, hinge and swing as you normally would, keeping your hands at the bottom of your rib cage at follow-through.

Shoulder – Follow the same swing process as you did with the “Rib” swing; however, you should not allow your hands to go any further than level with your shoulders. Again with a similar thought process as the swing prior, you are expecting the follow-through to stop before eclipsing your shoulder height at follow-through.

Full Swing – This is the standard full swing you can comfortably swing.

With this information in mind, you can start collecting data for your matrix.

Grab your first wedge and complete as many swings as time allows at each length. I recommend a minimum of ten swings for each, as this will give you a better average. Be sure to refocus yourself often around swing length and not match a distance from the previous swing.

After completing your swings at any given length, you find your average by adding the totals and dividing them by the total swings. Here is a condensed example:

Pitching Wedge – Swing Length “Ribs”

Five swings – 45 yards, 48 yards, 50 yards, 42 yards, and 46 yards

Add all five swings together – 231 yards

Divide the total distance by the number of swings – 231 ÷ 5 = 46.2

Drop the fractional number and you’re left with 46 yards on average

After completing your calculations you are able to fill in a spot on your matrix for your pitching wedge, “Rib” swing will have the ball land around 46 yards.

Complete this process over and over again until you have filled out your wedge matrix.

How will a Wedge Matrix help me on the golf course?

This tool is the gift that keeps giving. The ability to practice something at home or on the range that a golfer can take to the course is an objective that many golfers chase.

It certainly beats going to the range and hammering golf balls with a driver for hours until you hit it straight, then going to the course the next day and spraying the ball all over the place because you only use the driver a dozen or so times.

Practicing something away from the course that offers such heavy insight into your play is invaluable to players of any caliber.

This information will give you confidence and options on the course, leading to better shots and results, and lowering your scores. Now when you are 50 yards out, you know what clubs can carry to that distance as you select your shot.

You can also now consider the conditions because you know you have multiple clubs that handle the distance.

If greens are firm, you will want to use a more lofted club with a swing that matches your desired length. The extra loft will promote a higher ball flight and softer landing, causing less rollout after hitting the green.

If the greens are soft, you may want a lesser lofted club with a different swing length to encourage more roll after landing.

You can start improving your game fast by having options and confidence in those options. As your swing develops or new clubs are purchased, you will want to update the matrix to provide you with more accurate averages.

This tool will significantly improve your golf game if you take your time and put some quality time into the collected data.

What Is The Struggling Golfer Series?

Golf is easy if you approach it correctly and play within your limits. Most golfers struggle with many issues within their game, but very few can take their game to the next milestone score without help.

That is often no one’s fault; they do not know where to start and likely do not know the information. Some golf knowledge is simple and intuitive, while other information is not common knowledge and requires it to be learned.

As always, I believe you should not dig too deeply into the internet for lessons or critiques about your swing. Everyone is different, and you should look for a coach that emphasizes lessons based on a personalized swing that your body allows.

Also, it would help if you had a coach that matches your vibe and intensity. Something that no article or video will ever be able to do.

With that in mind, I started this series to help tackle different parts of a player’s game, focusing on controllable pieces such as strategy, drills, and mental approach.

I would love to hear from you in the comments on topics you may want to be covered or if anyone could improve elements of your game that you believe. I am sure someone else would love to hear some outside perspective about your question, so don’t be shy.