Chipping onto the green and using a pitching wedge on the green remains one of those options golfers will want to have up their sleeves.
It’s common for golfers to look at putting green shots but what if you want to take out the golf wedge on the green?
Can you use a wedge on the green?
Yes, you can use a wedge on the green. There are no rules against this golf club in the USGA rules. It’s highly recommended to assess your chipping skills before choosing between a putter and a wedge on the green.
Your skills when chipping with a wedge on the green can often decide which direction you go in as a golfer.
This guide will look at the rules for using a wedge on the green, how to play with a wedge on the green, and whether or not it’s a good idea to use a pitching wedge on the green as a golfer.
Can You Use A Wedge On The Green?
Yes, you can use a wedge on the green. It’s common for golfers to choose between a putter and a wedge on the green. It’s important to note there are no USGA rules against using this type of golf club.
Golf chipping is a common option and one golfers do use in different scenarios on the golf course.
Learning how to chip on a putting green is recommended. It’s possible you have a situation where it’s not easy to use a putter on the green and that’s when it’s time to take out the golf wedge.
Learning the best way to chip on the green is a must. It should be a part of your technique as you look to get better.
How To Use A Wedge On The Green
1. Check The Layout Of The Hole
When learning how to use a pitching wedge around the green, you need to break down the golf hole’s layout.
Why is this important?
It’s essential to know whether or not you can use a putter on the green. Perhaps, there is a direct line to the golf hole, which makes it smarter to use the putter for this part of the setup.
If not, you will want to have the wedge available.
This is key as you learn how to chip a golf ball onto the green. Even though your chipping technique around the green will be tested, sometimes this is the only option available to you.
2. Use The Right Pitching Wedge
Before chipping to the green, you will want to have the best pitching wedge on standby.
A good pitching wedge in golf is a must.
This is how you are going to help control the golf ball and make sure you don’t chip the golf ball beyond the hole or have it veer to the side once the ball is hit.
This happens when you are using the wrong type of wedge on the golf course. Short chips around the green need to be handled with care and it starts with the right pitching wedge for your game.
3. Maintain A Shallow Golf Swing
Your chipping technique on the green is going to be tested heavily.
You will want to look at avoiding a situation where you are making a divot in the green. This happens when you have a deeper golf shot as that is going to do damage to the green.
The best option is to have a shallower golf swing with the wedge.
This is going to help scoop the ball without ruining the grass. Do not underestimate the difference this can make when you hit the golf ball the right way.
Are You Allowed To Use A Wedge On The Green?
Yes, you are allowed to use a wedge on the green. There are no official regulations by the USGA against the employment of wedges on the green. However, it’s commonly frowned upon as it can damage the grass and it is not an ideal option for the most part compared to a putter.
You will need to get a proper look at the golf hole to see whether or not this is worth considering as a golf club for the green.
Should You Use A Wedge On The Green?
1. Consider Using A Putter
It’s best to use a putter on the green. Putting on the green is recommended because that’s what the golf club is designed for.
It’s going to yield better results and you are going to feel confident in how straight the golf ball is going to go when you use the putter.
However, there are situations where only a golf wedge is going to be useful on the green. If that is the case, you will then want to take a look at the next factor in your decision.
2. Focus On Your Chipping Technique
The next factor in your decision is going to be your chipping technique as a golfer.
Can you chip with a wedge on the green successfully?
This is an important question only you can answer. A professional golfer will likely have no issue with completing this type of golf shot and will simply focus on the lay of the land in front of them.
However, an amateur golfer might not be fond of using a golf chipper. You need to think about this when you are choosing a golf club for the shot at hand.
Benefits Of Chipping On The Green
1. Helps With Unique Angles
One of the advantages of chipping on the green would be handling unique angles that present themselves when you are out there.
It’s not always a direct line to the hole.
This means you might need to chip the golf ball and that is going to require a quality golf wedge.
Using the right pitching wedge will make a difference.
2. Can Help Bring The Golf Ball Closer To The Hole
It is possible the shot you are going to play will need to cover a certain distance and go at a specific angle.
At that rate, a putter might not suffice.
You will want to contemplate using a golf wedge on the green to get the ball closer to the hole.
Can You Take A Divot On The Green?
Yes, you can take a divot on the green as it will not break any rules. However, there are golf etiquette that need to be taken into consideration as damaging the grass is not ideal nor should it be an option.
Be careful when you are swinging a wedge on the green and maintain a shallow golf swing to avoid the divots.
What Clubs Can I Use On The Green?
You can use any type of golf club on the green. There are no USGA regulations against the use of a particular golf club on the green. It can be a golf putter, wedge, or iron depending on what you prefer at that moment.
Final Thoughts
Can you use a wedge on the green?
Yes, you can use a wedge on the green. There are no official rules against the use of a golf wedge on the green. In general, it’s more common to use a putter on the green but certain angles will demand the use of a golf chipper.
Take the time to look at everything and then choose the best golf club for the shot. Whether it’s using a putter or a wedge, you want to make sure it is used properly.
