How to Hook a Wedge Shot

This shot is reserved for you lower handicaps out there… if Phil Mickelson can do it, why can’t you? Occasionally, you are faced with a short shot that requires shaping, whether it be a slice or a hook. I find a hook much easier to pull-off, and I’d like to share with you how to …

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - MAY 05: Phil Mickelson uses a pitching wedge on the practice range in swing sequence frame 5 of 12 during a practice round prior to the start of THE PLAYERS Championship held at THE PLAYERS Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on May 5, 2010 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

This shot is reserved for you lower handicaps out there… if Phil Mickelson can do it, why can’t you? Occasionally, you are faced with a short shot that requires shaping, whether it be a slice or a hook. I find a hook much easier to pull-off, and I’d like to share with you how to do it properly.

First, it’s best to try this shot when you have a helping right to left wind (assuming you’re right-handed), Setup to the ball as your normally would, ball positioned in the middle of our stance. Obviously, keep in mind the position of your obstacles that caused you to consider this shot in the first place, whether it be a hill, tree or a tucked pin.

If it’s a tree, give yourself some room for error on this one. Hood the face of your wedge slightly, but not so much that you reduce it’s loft that much. Close your stance and then swing along your feet line – this will create a drastically in to out swing path – which is exactly what you need to pull this off.

Finally, focus on making solid contact with the center of the club, if you don’t, the club won’t impart the amount of sidespin you need hook the ball. If done properly, you can hit 50-75 yard shots that hook almost 15 yards. Vary the severity of your closed clubface and your swing path to reduce how much the ball hooks.

Keep in mind, upon landing, this ball will spin left.

Definitely give this shot a try on the range before giving it a go on the course.  But it’s a great shot to have in the bag in tough situations!