“Success leaves clues”

Two weeks, two tournaments won by relative unknowns. Two guys who managed to defeat the Tigers and Ernie Els of this world.

Firstly Zach Johnson wins the Masters with his own game plan, a huge level of belief and some stunning wedge play.

Then, on Monday, Boo Weekley wins the Verizon Heritage by chipping on on the last two holes to steal the title from Els.

“Up you go… and in you pop”

The lesson remains the same. Of course you’ve got to devote time to putting but you have to have a really cast iron wedge game too. And almost more importantly the wedge game is a hell of a lot more fun to practice than putting. My seminal moment with wedge play happened when I played a round of golf with a + handicapper during my challenge. His wedge play was inspirational and a total joy to watch. It flipped a switch in me and made me fall in love with my wedges.

I still stand at the range getting odd looks from others because I can hit flops/chips/pitches for hours and feel no inclination to get the driver out. Just get out there and experiment. Play flops with your 9 iron and chip with you lob wedge. Hit the same distance with various clubs. It’s all about play and confidence and it is great fun.

But when you hit the course suddenly you have a totally different level of confidence when you’re faced with a bare lie over a bunker to a tight pin. I’ll never forget the moment when I realised those shots held absolutely no fear for me. It was also the moment that my scoring really started to come together.

So… fall in love with your wedges. I guarantee your game will improve.

“How Do I love you, let me count the ways…”