Short-Game Training Aids For Better Wedge Play

For some reason, practicing wedge shots has always been my favorite. I think it’s the instant feedback you get and the challenge to get the ball in the hole. However, there are times when having the right short-game training aids can help motivate anyone, me included, to put in a little more time with the wedges.

Here are a few short-game tools that I’ve tested (and one I haven’t but like the concept of) that can help you sharpen your wedge play.

The Compression Ball

The Compression Ball is a new release from Golf Training Aids and I’ve been playing around with it for about a month. It’s simple and while you can use it for full swing practice, I like it better in the short game.

By holding the Compression Ball between your forearms, you train your arms and body to move together instead of working against each other. For wedge shots, that connection is something you’ll feel right away. It keeps your swing compact, helps you strike it more solidly and makes your distance control a lot more predictable.

Lag Shot Wedge

If you feel disjointed, “flippy” or just generally out of sync around the greens, the Lag Shot wedge is worth a look. The extra-whippy shaft forces you to slow down, find rhythm and let the club do the work. It creates a natural feel for sequencing and tempo. Once you groove that, the short game suddenly feels a lot easier to manage.

I love this one for golfers who are new to the game or those who realize they need more consistency in their short game to get to the next level.

Strike Wedge

I haven’t used the Strike Wedge yet but I’ve improvised the same idea for years with headcovers and tees to help with ball-first clean contact.

What I like about this product is that it’s ready to go out of the box and the visual setup is much stronger than the DIY version I’ve been doing myself for years. If you’re someone who tends to hit it fat or thin, this is one to try. It gives instant feedback on where the club is bottoming out.

You’ll also be able to use it for your full swing iron shots.

GoSports Chipster Chipping Net

I own these and they’ve made wedge practice a lot more fun. You can set up the Chipster net anywhere and immediately start working on accuracy and distance control.

At home, we’ve turned it into a contest: each target gets a point value and my kids and I try to get 20 or 25 points. It’s surprisingly addictive and the competitive element makes you adjust distances and trajectories while keeping the focus on hitting your landing spots.

If you want wedge practice to feel less like grinding and more like a game, this is a great option.

Callaway Chip Stix

For years, I used an alignment stick to train proper shaft lean and hand position when chipping. Using the alignment stick means gripping both the stick and the club at the same time, which was awkward at best.

The Chip Stix solves that problem. It attaches directly to your wedge, giving you the same immediate feedback without the hassle. If you’re serious about cleaning up your chipping mechanics, this one is an easy win.

Final thoughts

These training aids cover the big areas of wedge play: connection, tempo, strike, distance control, mechanics. You don’t need every single one to improve but adding one or two to your routine can make short-game practice both more effective.

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