The wedge shot is the trump card in the short game category of golf. It is effected through the subtle twists of the wrists, which do not involve powerful hits or shots, making it graceful and beautiful.

There are no two opinions that a neatly executed wedge shot is the most potent weapon in the short game category. No matter whether you shoot it on a par 5 or par 4, not many shots can match the versatility of this short game beauty.

Low handicap players hit the wedge shot from the fairway with a full swing and are best played by shifting the weight on to the right foot.

Take along a few useful tips to be a perfect wedge player:

• Adopt an open posture: Watching a perfect wedge player playing his shots is a treat to the eyes. The player keeps the lower body steady as wedge shots do not require much power. A perfect wedge shot can be hit only by opening your hips, which would also enable you to freely use the arms and shoulders without using your lower body.
• Turn the Wrists: A good wedge player hit down and through the ball without trying to attempt to scoop or lift the ball in the air. The ball can be shot down only by twisting the wrist early without waiting for the backswing to be completed.
• Adjust Your Backswing: Remember that while tempo remains constant in golf, backswing length keeps changing in determining the shot distances of wedges. It is not the speed that has a bearing in the wedge placement but on the length of the backswing shot. Since the full-swing wedge shot could be anything like 36, 42, or 53 yards away, you can adjust the length of the shot instead of the tempo.
• Play free shots: Keep your arms free and chest away from the target during the wedge swing and let arms flow through the shot. Your shoulders should fall in line with the target and your arms follow the shoulder line.
• Maintain a soft grip on the club: Do not hold the club tight and guide the club. Let it flow through on its own.
• Keep your foot firm: Always keep the right foot planted firmly on the ground as the wedge swing shot involves free arm and upper torso swing.
• Keep your hands low: While making a solid wedge shot, the hands should be low and free to hit down and through the ball
• Ground conditions can make or break a wedge shot: If the ball’s surface is exposed to the clubface, chances of spin would be more. If you are hitting the ball from an uphill lie against the wind, chances of spin would be the maximum.
• Lean your upper body towards the target: While keeping the legs steady, if you lean the upper body towards the target, chances of making an accurate steep swing are more. An open stance would prevent chances of lateral movement thereby controlling the backswing length.
• Restrict hand movements: Restrict hand and body movements and keep the club and the arms in front of your body rather than letting them to swing sideways or at the back of your body.

Make sure to capture some practice swings and finish in a camera before going for a wedge shot as it would help you to fine tune the shots and to make them flawless. You can also perfect the wedge shots by watching these handy golf videos, which offer the secrets of making perfect shots.