2 Little-Known Factors That Influence Your Short-Game Shots
Ask most amateur players what they love most about golf practice and very few will tell you it's hitting wedge shots. That's because it's more fun to try and bomb the driver like a PGA player does on the driving range.
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In order to see real golf improvement and to score lower, though, the Rainmakers Golf crew knows it starts with conquering golf shots from 100 yards and in — meaning you need to have masterful touch on wedge shots.
Before heading to the range to hit a bunch of balls, make sure you listen up to top-ranked golf instructor Kelvin Kelley, who has a few short game golf tips about certain factors that influence your results.
These Short Game Golf Tips Are Crucial To Understand
There are lots of short game golf tips that promise better results. While most of them focus on club choice, setup, or ball position, Kelley actually suggests an even higher level tip — two factors that impact your shot results even if you've perfected those other pieces of the golf swing.
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In the video above, Kelley discusses what a golfer needs to do to generate spin on wedge shots.
'Everyone loves the spinny wedge shot, and here are the ways to get that spinny chip or pitch,' Kelley says. 'The first thing, which is often overlooked, is having clean grooves.
'So before going out to the golf course [or practice area to work on the short game], make sure your grooves are clean. Just take your bag towel and finger and make sure the grooves are nice and clean — which will give me the required friction to produce spin.'
Unlike most pro golfers — who have their sponsors ship them fresh, new wedges anytime they need them — amateur players need to maintain their equipment. So always be sure your grooves are clean and ready for action.
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In addition to having a tidy clubface, Kelley shares another important short game golf tip that can be overlooked — use a good golf ball when you're looking to produce spinny wedge shots.
'The golf ball also has a major influence on the spin,' Kelley adds. 'If you're playing a harder ball or a driving range ball, you're not going to get a lot of spin. Always make sure you're playing a premium golf ball.'
Now that you know those two crucial short game golf tips, you're primed and ready to execute your desired wedge shot.
'I'm going to take a high-lofted club [Kelley's using a 60-degree wedge], and will play this one as a low-spinner,' Kelley says. 'I'm going to put the ball back in my stance, I'll put my pressure and weight leaning forward, and I'm going to have the leading edge open — which adds more loft.'
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With clean grooves and a premium golf ball, you can start to see more success on wedge shots, leaving you closer to the pin for easier putts.
Related: How This Funky Practice Club Helps Improve Your Golf Game
Related: Master 100-Yard Golf Shots With This Simple Course Management Tip
Related: Dominate Tricky Greenside Bunker Shots With These Golf Tips, via a Top Instructor
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
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