Short game shots from 30 to 100 yards can leave you scratching your head. It’s easy to get stuck guessing, which usually means you’re spraying balls all over and watching your score creep up.
The fix isn’t some secret tip, it’s just a matter of building a system for distance control that takes the mystery out of wedge play.
The clock system changes unpredictable wedge shots into reliable, precise distances by using your lead arm as a reference on a clock face. When you swing to spots like 7:30, 9:00, and 10:30, you start to get several consistent yardages out of each wedge.
Most of us carry three or four wedges but only know the full-swing numbers. That’s leaving a ton of shots on the table.
Let’s look at how to build a distance chart and use practice drills so you can dial in those awkward, in-between yardages.
Key Takeaways
- Use lead arm clock positions to create repeatable backswing lengths for different distances
- Build a wedge distance chart by practicing specific swing lengths with each wedge to stop guessing
- Develop stock swings with focused practice drills to groove muscle memory for your most common short game yardages
Understanding Distance Control in the Short Game
Distance control is what separates skilled golfers from weekend warriors, especially in the short game. Most people struggle to judge carry distances or pick the right swing length, so balls fly over pins or come up short.
Why Distance Control Matters
Distance control really affects your scoring between 30 and 120 yards. If you can land wedge shots inside 10 feet, you give yourself more birdie looks and steer clear of those frustrating bogeys.
Miss your number by 15 yards and you’re left with a scary downhill putt or a tough chip back.
Scoring Zone Stats:
- Inside 5 feet: 85% make
- 10–15 feet: 45% make
- 20+ feet: 15% make
Tour pros get this. They’re not aiming at every flag—they’re trying to hit specific yardage windows and avoid trouble.
Common Mistakes Golfers Make
We tend to make three big mistakes with distance control. One is mixing up tempo and swing length.
Lots of golfers use the same backswing length but swing faster or slower, so a three-quarter swing might go 80 yards one shot and 95 the next, just from tempo changes.
Typical Distance Control Errors:
- Changing tempo with the same swing length
- Guessing at carry distances instead of knowing your numbers
- Relying on “feel” instead of a system
- Not paying attention to pin placement or green conditions
Another classic mistake is not knowing your yardages. You might think your pitching wedge goes 100 yards, but have you actually checked on the range?
Role of Yardage and Club Selection
Solid distance control starts with knowing your numbers. You need real measurements to your target, not just ballpark guesses.
Rangefinders and GPS units make this easy. An 87-yard shot isn’t the same as a 92-yarder, even if they both seem like “about 90.”
What You Need to Know:
- Carry distance to the pin
- Wind direction and strength
- Green firmness and slope
- Size and shape of the landing area
Once you know your numbers, club selection gets a lot simpler. Maybe your sand wedge flies 75 yards with a three-quarter swing, while your gap wedge covers the same distance with a half swing.
Different wedges launch the ball differently and spin it more or less. The gap wedge might give you a lower, more piercing flight compared to the sand wedge’s higher shot.
You’ve got to practice each wedge at different swing lengths to fill out your distance chart. That’s how you go from guessing to pulling the right club and swing every time.
The Clock System: A Proven Approach
The clock system gives you a visual, easy-to-use structure for consistent wedge swings. It turns “vague feel” into clear, repeatable positions that get you predictable yardages.
How the Clock System Works
Picture your lead arm as the hour hand on a clock during your backswing. Address is 6 o’clock, and the top of your swing is 12.
It’s simple, really. You just swing back to certain “times” to control how far you take the club. A 7:30 backswing is shorter than 9 o’clock, so it naturally sends the ball a different distance.
Dave Pelz made this system popular after working with tour pros. He found that controlling the backswing length gave better results than trying to mess with speed or power.
The system works because it gives your brain a clear target. Instead of thinking, “How far should I go?” you just say, “9 o’clock” and swing.
Swing Positions and Corresponding Distances
Here’s how clock positions usually line up with distance:
| Clock Position | Distance | Backswing Description |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 | ~50% | Hands at hip level |
| 9:00 | ~75% | Arms parallel to ground |
| 10:30 | ~90% | Three-quarter swing |
| 12:00 | 100% | Full swing |
These percentages are based on your full-swing distance for each wedge. If you hit your sand wedge 80 yards on a full swing, the 7:30 position should go about 40.
Keep the tempo steady for all positions. Only the length of the swing changes, not the speed.
Most folks do best by starting with three positions: 7:30, 9:00, and 10:30. Once those feel good, you can get more detailed if you want.
Benefits Over Guesswork
With the clock system, you don’t have to stand over the ball thinking, “Should I swing softer?” or “Take a bit off this one?” That stuff just leads to trouble.
Consistency becomes automatic. After you practice these positions, your body remembers them. The 9 o’clock swing feels the same whether you’re nervous or just practicing.
You also get way more options. Each wedge basically turns into three or four clubs, just by changing the clock position.
It’s a lot easier to picture 9 o’clock than it is to imagine “about 75% power.” That’s why the system sticks.
Stock Swings for Consistent Wedge Shots
Stock swings are your go-to, repeatable backswing positions for predictable wedge distances. You’ll want to set up three consistent lengths and match each one to a yardage for every wedge.
Defining Stock Swings in Golf
Stock swings are preset backswing lengths you use to control partial wedge shots. Think of them as your reliable, pressure-proof swings.
A lot of golfers just guess at swing length on every shot. That’s a recipe for inconsistency.
Stock swings take out the guesswork. You practice three dependable positions until they’re automatic.
These aren’t full-out swings. You’re focusing on control and repeatability, not power.
The best part? Once you know your positions, you can just focus on making solid contact and keeping your tempo right.
Establishing Standardized Backswing Lengths
You’ll need three clear, repeatable backswing positions. The easiest way is to use your lead arm as a guide.
Three-Quarter Swing: Lead arm parallel to the ground (9:00). This is your longest stock swing.
Half Swing: Lead arm at about 45 degrees (10:30). Middle option.
Quarter Swing: Lead arm around 30 degrees (11:00). Shortest controlled shot.
| Position | Lead Arm Angle | Clock Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Three-Quarter | Parallel (90°) | 9:00 |
| Half | 45° | 10:30 |
| Quarter | 30° | 11:00 |
Try these in front of a mirror. You want each swing to feel noticeably different.
Matching Stock Swings to Yardages
Now, connect each stock swing to a yardage for each wedge. This takes some honest range time.
Start with your favorite wedge. Hit 10 balls at each position, and record the carry distance for each.
A typical 56-degree wedge might look like:
- Quarter swing: 40–50 yards
- Half swing: 65–75 yards
- Three-quarter swing: 85–95 yards
Your numbers will be your own. What matters is that you know them cold.
Make a simple chart for each wedge. Write it down or keep it on your phone.
Test these distances now and then. As your swing changes, your numbers might shift a bit.
Remember: These are carry distances, not total. Factor in roll when you’re planning shots.
Building Your Wedge Distance Chart
A solid wedge distance chart takes you from guessing to knowing on every short shot. You’ll want to track your carry distances and organize the info in a way you can use on the course.
Tracking Distances for Each Wedge
Start by getting baseline numbers for every wedge. Take 10 balls and hit three different swing lengths—usually hip-to-hip, chest-high, and full swing.
What you’ll need:
- Range finder or GPS
- Notebook or phone
- 40 practice balls (at least)
- All your wedges
Focus on carry distance. Roll just depends too much on the greens. Hit each swing length a bunch of times and write down the results.
Don’t sweat the mishits—we all chunk or blade a few. Look for your average, solid-contact numbers.
Try to do this on calm days. Wedges are really sensitive to wind, so you want clean data.
Recording Data and Creating a Matrix
Once you’ve got your numbers, average them and build your wedge matrix. This is your cheat sheet for the course.
| Wedge | Hip-to-Hip | Chest-High | Full Swing |
|---|---|---|---|
| PW | 45 yards | 65 yards | 85 yards |
| GW | 40 yards | 60 yards | 80 yards |
| SW | 35 yards | 55 yards | 75 yards |
| LW | 30 yards | 50 yards | 70 yards |
Round to the nearest 5 yards. No one needs to know if they hit it 47 or 49 yards—it’s not that precise.
Some folks laminate these cards or use an app. The point is to have it handy when you’re standing over a weird yardage and need to decide.
Updating and Refining Your Chart
Your wedge numbers will change as your swing or clubs change. Plan to update your chart at least twice a season—once early, once mid-year.
Watch your results on the course. If you’re always short with your 60-yard shot, tweak your chart. Real play sometimes shows different numbers than the range.
When to update:
- Always short or long with certain shots
- New wedges or grip
- Big swing changes
- Switching balls or playing in different conditions
Track your misses during rounds. If you’re always 5 yards short with your 50-yard swing, just update your chart. Don’t fight your tendencies—work with them.
The best wedge charts grow with you. The most important thing is having numbers you trust so you can swing with confidence.
Practical Drills and Training Strategies
Getting good at distance control means practicing with purpose. You need drills that teach your body the right backswing positions and give you real feedback.
Rehearsing Clock Position Swings
Start by working on your clock positions without even hitting balls. Stand in front of a mirror and go through 7:30, 9:00, and 10:30 with each wedge.
Keep the tempo the same for each swing. The only thing that changes is how far you take the club back.
Ten minutes a day of these shadow swings really helps. It builds the muscle memory you’ll need on the course.
Checkpoints:
- 7:30: Lead arm parallel to the ground
- 9:00: Shaft pointing straight up
- 10:30: Lead arm just past parallel
Run through this with your pitching, gap, and sand wedges. Each club will give you different yardages, even with the same backswing.
On-Range Practice Drills
The hula hoop drill fits nicely with the clock system approach. Set up targets at your measured distances and hit five balls to each target, using specific clock positions.
Make a practice card listing your stock distances. Hit systematic shots—don’t just smash balls at random.
Sample practice routine:
- 10 balls at 7:30 position to closest target
- 10 balls at 9:00 position to middle target
- 10 balls at 10:30 position to farthest target
Track your results honestly. If eight out of ten balls land within a reasonable range, you can trust that distance on the course.
Practicing with alignment sticks helps keep your setup consistent. Even small setup tweaks can mean big distance changes.
Using Launch Monitors for Feedback
Launch monitors give us precise carry distance data, taking the guesswork out of practice. You’ll know exactly how far each clock position carries with different wedges.
TrackMan, FlightScope, or even budget-friendly options like SkyTrak will show you the numbers you need. Record carry distances for every position and club combo.
Data to track:
- Carry distance for each clock position
- Ball speed consistency
- Spin rate variations
- Launch angle differences
This tech uncovers patterns we’d probably miss just eyeballing shots. Sometimes you think you’re making the same swing, but the numbers say otherwise.
Use launch monitors to calibrate your yardages at first, then lean on feel during regular practice. The numbers help you set a solid baseline.
Fine-Tuning Technique for Maximum Consistency
Distance control really depends on clean contact, steady tempo, and tweaking your full swing mechanics for shorter shots. These elements work together and, honestly, none of them can be ignored if you want to score well.
Achieving Clean Contact and Spin
Clean contact starts with setup. Place the ball just back of center, and favor your front foot with your weight.
This setup encourages a descending blow—the kind that creates that ball-first contact everyone wants. Hands ahead of the ball at address and impact help too.
You want to catch the ball before the turf. That crisp “thwack” is the goal, not the dull thud of hitting ground first.
Spin control comes from face angle and groove interaction. A clean strike with a square or slightly open face gives you consistent spin across all distances.
Try practicing off tight lies or even concrete (with practice balls) to really dial in that contact. If you can pull it off there, fairway lies start to feel easy.
Keep the clubface square to slightly open at impact. That’s how you get the grooves working and the spin you need.
Importance of Tempo and Rhythm
Tempo should stay the same, no matter the swing length. Whether it’s a 7 o’clock or 9 o’clock backswing, the pace doesn’t change.
A common mistake: swinging faster on longer shots and slower on short ones. That throws off timing and kills distance control.
Count your tempo with a rhythm like “one-and-two.” “One” is the backswing, “and” the transition, “two” the downswing.
This count works for any clock position. Half-swings, three-quarter swings—it’s all the same beat.
Practicing with a metronome (try 80-90 BPM) helps groove the right rhythm. Tour players do it, so why not?
Smooth tempo also keeps you balanced. Rushing the swing usually leads to poor weight transfer and thin or fat shots.
Swing Dynamics Versus Full Swing Approach
Short game swings aren’t just mini full swings. Backswing length controls distance, not speed or effort.
In a full swing, you’re after max clubhead speed. For distance control, keep your natural swing speed but shorten the backswing.
Think of it like a volume knob. You’re dialing down the length, not changing the song.
Grip pressure should be light and steady. If your hands tense up, you’ll lose that smooth acceleration and probably chunk or blade it.
Transition from backswing to downswing needs to stay smooth. Leave the aggressive move for your driver.
Weight transfer is more subtle here. Start with more weight forward and keep it there—no big shift needed.
Finish your follow-through to match the backswing. A 9 o’clock backswing? Go for a 3 o’clock finish. It keeps things balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Distance control comes down to grip tweaks, swing length changes, and keeping tempo steady. Here are some real-world questions and answers for putting stock swings and clock systems to work.
What's the secret to nailing the perfect distance with a sand wedge?
It’s really about controlling swing speed at impact, not just swing length. Try three main swing positions with the clock system: 7:30 for about half distance, 9:00 for three-quarters, and 10:30 for nearly full.
Grip pressure matters a lot. Keep it light so you don’t lose feel.
Always finish in the same spot, no matter the backswing. That builds muscle memory and makes your distances repeatable.
Can you give a rundown on how to use the clock system for better wedge play?
Picture your lead arm as the hand of a clock. 7:30 usually gives you half your full swing distance, 9:00 about three-quarters.
The trick is hitting your target clock position on the backswing and finishing in the same place every time. That’s what brings consistency.
Start by hitting 20 balls to each clock position with one wedge. Note the distances and build your own yardage chart.
Any pro tips for dialing in those partial wedge shots?
Grip down on the club to fine-tune within each clock position. Choking down an inch can shave 3-5 yards off your carry distance.
Prioritize tempo over swing speed. A 2:1 rhythm works well—backswing takes twice as long as downswing.
Try practicing with sound patterns like “ya-la-bam” to keep your rhythm steady. It sounds silly, but it works.
How do you adjust wedge swing for different types of golf course conditions?
On firm turf, hit lower shots with less spin. Move the ball a bit back and grip down for more control.
If it’s soft, go for more spin and height. Play the ball forward and take a fuller swing to help it stop quickly.
Wind changes everything. Into the wind, use a longer club and a shorter swing—don’t just swing harder.
What's the typical yardage gap between full, half, and quarter swings in the short game?
Most folks see about 25-30 yard gaps between these swings with their wedges. Full pitching wedge might go 100 yards, half swing about 70-75.
Quarter swings usually carry 40-50% of your full distance. But everyone’s different—your swing and clubs will change the numbers.
Best advice? Map your own distances. Forget the averages—your game, your numbers.
How important is tempo when it comes to controlling distance in the short game?
Honestly, tempo matters a lot more than swing length when you're trying to dial in distance. If your tempo's off, you'll probably notice your contact gets spotty and the ball just doesn't fly the way you want.
Most tour pros stick with a 2:1 backswing-to-downswing ratio, and for good reason—it just works. This kind of timing lets you keep things smooth and lets you accelerate through the ball without forcing it.
You know what throws people off the most? Rushing that downswing. It's a classic mistake. Try counting in your head or even using little sound cues to keep your rhythm steady, no matter how long or short your swing is.v