Launch monitors vs short game

Yes, I'm aware of the AOA discussion. I was at the open forum last year where it was discussed by Joe Mayo, James Ridyard, The Chef, Brad Faxon, and others. It's a fun side show from the normal full-swing discussions.

I had Stan Utley out at my club in May and I had him hit a few shots. He hit some stock low-spinning chip shots that launched between 7 and 9 on Trackman. But he left a scuff mark on the grass before the ball. He describes his shot as shallow.

I have yet to see a discussion concerning what the different camps think are the key different moves taught by each school. So yes, I think if we looked at the method they each teach, they would be nearly identical. I like that low point height is becoming part of the discussion. I think that's a key missing piece for many who struggle with their finesse wedge play.

Happy Golfing,
Tyler

I certainly didn’t mean to insult your intelligence, and I would imagine you’re up on any new relevant knowledge, but you seem the antithesis of a trend hopper and this to me seems like a trend.
The physics of wedges mystify me. I can’t for the life of me understand how an open face 60 degree wedge can launch at 28 degrees. Even the contact itself- should distance wedges glide along the ground as well, or should they be steeper? When I use, say, my 8 iron to make a 50 yard shot, it helps me to glide along the ground, and that’s true up until my 50 degree wedge. I went up to watch the Sanderson farms and heard more than a couple pros slide into impact with mid irons and hybrids and it surprised me- almost a dropkick sound. With my 54 and 58 though, that same technique produces a much higher, less predictable shot and I have more luck trying to nip it. What are your thoughts on contact with short irons vs distance wedges vs finesse wedges? How does a 60 launch at half its loft even when the face is open? Does this wedge sound right?
And other questions of the universe.

Thank you sir

Don't worry, I wasn't insulted in the slightest. I like the idea that the best questions win. Or, as my mentor used to say, you can ask a question and feel stupid for a minute, or you can not ask the question and stay stupid your whole life.

The main answer to your question is friction. You need a few things to get the low launch high spin shot. You need, high spin loft (for spin) but a steeper angle of attack if you want the low launch. On top of that, you need friction and speed. I can't tell for sure, but those yellow golf balls you're hitting don't look like the premium variety. When I did my video for the distance wedge course, I showed how an old pinnacle range ball would launch almost 10 degrees higher than the proV1 (https://www.golfsmartacademy.com/courses/stock-distance-wedge-program/low-spinning-wedge-shot)

To me, that wedge shot sounds little dead, but it's hard to tell with those golf balls.

Typically golfers with your pattern have a harder time with the low launch high spin. Your tendency is more axis tilt and arms behind your body, those typically create a shallower AOA and contact higher up the face. A good recipe for high launch low spin drivers, but not great for low wedges.

Good luck! Happy Golfing,

Tyler