Are you tired of duffing your chips? Sick of sending huge divots farther than the golf ball? Nothing is more dissatisfying in the entire game of golf.
If so, lets talk about how to use the bounce on your wedges. Admittedly, it took me way too long to figure this out, but leveraging the bounce on my wedges revolutionized my short game in a matter of days.
What is the bounce?
The trailing edge, behind the leading edge of the club. You will always have the most bounce in your wedges. Hold your wedge like you would preparing to hit a shot. When you look down at the the club face, take a look at the lowest point on the club face - that is the leading edge. The bounce is on the other side of the club - the part resting on the ground as you prepare to hit.
The bounce prevents the leading edge from digging as it slides through the turf or the sand. The bounce will cause the club to sweep across the surface.
Why use the bounce?
Since the bounce causes the club to slide across the ground rather than dig, you have a greater margin for error when chipping. You can get away with a mishit more easily than if you chip with the leading edge. Since you will be more consistently hitting better shots, you will also get a better feel for distance control.
When to use the bounce?
Generally you will want to use the bounce around the green. You will want to use it both in the sand trap and when chipping from off the green.
How to use the leading edge vs. the bounce?
The leading edge typically requires your hands leaning forward so the shaft is ahead of the ball. When you swing down, the leading edge will dig into the ground, making the point of contact very important. If you make contact with the ground too soon, the club will dig into the ground and the ball won't go very far. If you make contact too late, you will skull the ball.
The bounce is a neutral position, so your hands are even with the ball at address. You can have your weight on the front foot, and open the club face a little. You will think about sliding the sole of the club across the ground. Take a couple of practice swings, having the bounce of club make contact with the ground instead of the leading edge.
Our friend and PGA Profesional Chris Ryan's video is super helpful for visualizing the differences between the leading edge and the bounce. Take a peak: