A Texas wedge is a golf shot that is used to describe when a golfer uses their putter instead of a wedge to make a shot from off the green. This type of shot is typically used when the ball is resting on the fringe of the green or just off the green, and there is a significant amount of space between the ball and the hole on the putting surface. Ever heard the saying that "your worst putt will be just as good as your best chip" - well that's where the Texas wedge can become your best friend.
Where Does the Term Texas Wedge Come From?
The term "Texas wedge" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in Texas, United States. In those days, many Texas golf courses were often built with hard, dry turf, and it was difficult for golfers to make clean contact with the golf ball when it was just off the green. To solve this problem, some Texas golfers in the lone star state began using their putters to hit the ball instead of their wedges on these Texas courses. The flat face of a putter made it easier to make clean contact with the ball on the dry turf or something with more loft like a pitching wedge. Over time, this technique became known as the "Texas wedge," and the term has stuck around ever since. Today, the Texas wedge is a common and popular shot in golf, used by players of all skill levels around the world.
The Texas Wedge Technique
The technique for using the Texas wedge is relatively simple. The golfer lines up their putter behind the ball as they would for a standard putt, but instead of making a normal putting stroke, they make a more aggressive stroke, striking the ball with the putter face at a higher speed to get the ball airborne and rolling toward the hole.
One of the advantages of using the Texas wedge is that it allows golfers to keep the ball low to the ground, which can be helpful when there are obstacles such as trees or other hazards between the ball and the hole. Additionally, because the putter has a flatter face than a wedge, it can be easier to control the distance and direction of the shot.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using the Texas wedge. Because the putter is not designed for hitting shots from the rough or other uneven lies, it can be more difficult to make clean contact with the ball. Additionally, because the putter is not lofted like a wedge, it may be more difficult to get the ball up and over certain obstacles.
When to Play a Texas Wedge shot
The Texas wedge shot can be a useful tool to have in your golf game when you are faced with a shot from just off the green or on the fringe. It can be particularly effective when you have a lot of green to work with between your ball and the hole, or when there is a low obstacle, like a bunker or a slight rise, between your ball and the green.
One situation where the Texas wedge is especially useful is when the green is running fast and firm, making it difficult to control the ball with a high-lofted wedge. In this case, a low-running shot with a putter may be the best option for getting the ball close to the hole.
Another scenario where the Texas wedge can come in handy is when you are faced with an uphill lie or have to hit over a slope or rise. In these situations, a putter can help keep the ball low to the ground and rolling smoothly toward the hole.
It's worth noting, however, that the Texas wedge may not be the best choice in all situations. If the ball is sitting in thick rough or in a bunker, for example, a high-lofted wedge shot may be a better option. Additionally, if there are tall obstacles like trees or bushes in the way, the Texas wedge may not be able to get the ball high enough to clear them.
Overall, the decision to play a Texas wedge shot should be based on the specific conditions of the shot and the golfer's comfort level with the technique. With practice and experience, golfers can learn when the Texas wedge is the best option and how to execute it effectively when playing golf.
Texas wedge from fairway grass
While the Texas wedge is typically played from just off the green or on the fringe, it can also be played from the fairway in certain situations.
One scenario where a Texas wedge shot from the fairway might be effective is when you are playing on a fast, hard course and need to keep the ball low to the ground to control its roll. In this case, a low-running Texas wedge shot with a putter can be a good alternative to a high-lofted wedge shot that might balloon in the air and land too softly on the green.
Another situation where a Texas wedge shot from the fairway could come in handy is when you are faced with a long approach shot where the green slopes away from you. In this case, using a putter can help you keep the ball low and running, which can help reduce the chances of the ball rolling off the green.
To hit a Texas wedge shot from the fairway, you should set up as you would for a regular putt, with your feet close together and your weight centered over the ball. Take a smooth, controlled stroke wit the golf club, making sure to keep the putter head low to the ground throughout the swing. Aim for a spot in front of you that will get the golf ball started on the right line, and adjust your speed and direction as needed based on the slope and contours of the green.
As with any shot in golf, practice is key to becoming comfortable and confident with the Texas wedge shot from the fairway. With practice, you can learn to judge the right situations to use this shot and develop the skills needed to execute it effectively.
Texas wedge on links style courses
The Texas wedge shot can be a useful tool to have in your golf game when playing on links style courses. These courses are known for their fast, firm greens and undulating fairways, which can make it difficult to control the ball with a high-lofted wedge. Here are some ways the Texas wedge shot can be effective on links courses:
Controlling the ball: Links courses often have firm, fast-running fairways and greens, which can make it difficult to control the ball with a high-lofted wedge especially of very tight lies. A Texas wedge shot with a putter can help keep the ball low to the ground and rolling smoothly, which can make it easier to control the distance and direction of the shot.
Playing in the wind: Links courses are often windy, which can make it difficult to hit high shots with a wedge. The Texas wedge shot can be effective in these conditions because it keeps the ball low to the ground and reduces the impact of the wind.
Navigating around bunkers: Links courses often have deep bunkers and tight lies around the greens, which can make it difficult to hit a high-lofted wedge shot. The Texas wedge shot with a putter can help you navigate these hazards by keeping the ball low to the ground and rolling it onto the green.
Dealing with uneven lies: Links courses often have undulating fairways and greens, which can create uneven lies. The Texas wedge shot with a putter can help you deal with these situations by keeping the ball low to the ground and reducing the impact of the slope.
Final thoughts on what is a Texas wedge in golf
The Texas wedge can be a valuable tool for golfers of all skill levels, especially those who struggle with their chipping or pitching. With practice and experimentation, golfers can learn to use the Texas wedge effectively and add another weapon to their arsenal on the course.