Nelly Korda’s Wedge Play: Mastering the Art of Precision with Tempo, Reducing Spin and Control

Nelly Korda’s impressive game was on display when she became the third LPGA Tour player to win five tournaments in a row at the 2024 Chevron Championship, following in the footsteps of Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez. While all aspects of her game are worth studying, this article will focus on her full-swing wedges.

Korda’s coach believes that finesse and tempo rather than speed and power are key to precise wedge play. Maintaining a consistent tempo throughout the swing – from backswing to finish – is crucial for successful wedge shots and avoiding mishits. By emulating Korda’s wedge play, amateurs can work towards improving their consistency by focusing on swinging with a smooth tempo and using a lower lofted wedge to maintain rhythm and timing.

One common mistake made by amateurs is trying to hit wedges hard or far, resulting in shorter shots due to increased spin. To improve your wedge play, it’s important to remember that less is often more when it comes to spin. Reducing excessive lateral movement is another key to successful wedge play. Setting up with more weight on your lead leg can help control low point and improve stability in your swing.

Using a mental metronome can also help golfers establish and maintain tempo in their swings. By creating a rhythm in your head and swinging to it, you can improve the consistency of your wedge shots. This technique can be especially helpful for golfers who struggle with maintaining a steady pace during their swings.

By following these three keys – swinging with smooth tempo, using a mental metronome, and reducing excessive lateral movement – you can work towards improving your wedge play and achieving results similar to Nelly Korda’s precision on the course. With practice and dedication, you too can become a master of the fairway like one of golf’s greatest champions today!