Top 3 instructor Claude Harmon III talks about why I’m not getting better at my wedges and what to do about it. It encompasses the new instruction style that focuses on problem-solving and execution over technique. These are all things he learned from working with the best players in the world like Dustin Johnson.
Claude Harmon III shows me the steps I need to take to improve my wedge game.
➡️ This video is sponsored by Rapsodo. They make awesome affordable launch monitors. Every golfer should have one! https://bit.ly/rapsodomlm2pro-gsl
⛳ What you’ll learn:
✔️ The importance of understanding your carry distances
✔️ How to use the clock method for wedge control
✔️ How tour pros like Dustin Johnson practice inside 150 yards
✔️ Why execution matters more than swing technique in short-game improvement
✔️ How to build a reliable wedge game for scoring
⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: The Key to Better Wedge Play
01:07 – Breaking Down Baseline Wedge Distances (25, 50, 75, 100 Yards)
02:10 – First Attempt at Distance Control (Mistakes & Adjustments)
03:12 – Introducing the Clock System for Wedge Control
04:08 – How to Match Your Swing Length for Consistency
07:01 – How Ball Position Changes Trajectory
08:10 – Half Swing vs. Full Swing – Understanding Distance Differences
09:18 – How Tour Players Train Wedges for Precision
10:30 – The Execution vs. Technique Debate in Golf
12:00 – How to Train Like a Pro & Set Baseline Numbers
16:13 – Adjusting Technique & Shaft Lean for Better Results
23:22 – Final Thoughts: Why Every Golfer Needs This Practice
🏌️♂️ Learn how to improve your wedge accuracy from 25 to 150 yards using a simple yet effective clock system. Also see how to control your distances, refine your swing technique, and build consistency with scoring clubs—all essential for lowering your scores.
🎙️ Listen to Claude’s Podcast – Son of a Butch: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/son-of-a-butch-with-claude-harmon/id1561803455
Hear from top players and get inside access to the minds of the best in the game.
📺 Subscribe to Golfwell for exclusive access to the latest golf tech, reviews, and tips to help you stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re a weekend golfer or a pro, we’re here to bring you closer to the future of the sport.
Don’t miss any more updates! ✉️ 👉 https://golfwell.co/
34 Comments
Does Claude smile or show any emotion? The dude has a little Sean Foley in him.
Excellent Thanks Claude!
I did a ladder drill on Trackman years ago. 10, 20, 30 onward up to 100 yards and failed miserably. Even through my handicap was a 5. My short game handicap was a 30. Eye-opening. I watch the tour pros on the golf channel and get its their job to be good inside 150 yards. The every day good player needs to work on this.
Every serious amateur needs to do a wedge matrix session using the clock system with all of your wedges and pitching wedge.
Great video on this methodology. I put this into place a few years ago for my game and has been working really well for me.
Great video, makes total sense
I like the perspective about getting results, and the mindset to play your best golf on the back nine on Sunday. I have a pre-round pep talk on youtube about putting on your game face. Go Cordie! BTW, Cordie, dialing in your wedges is on page 28 in my program, so maybe I'm onto something…
99% of us are not DJ. Tell something that will shape and help our game
I liked the questions you asked as the ever day golfer
The clock system for wedges is incredible. I'm very surprised you don't already know this at your level. All good golfers should do a wedge chart and be able to hit everything from 5 yards to 70ish yards in 5 yard increments with their highest lofted club. Doing ladder drills up and down then random distances is the effective way to learn this. It's a game changer once you can complete these drills.
I love the clockface method. I find it takes regular practice to stay on it and remain accurate. I feel it when I haven't been diligent
asking you to hit a specific random yardage where you aim at nothing is purely a test designed to fail ala field sobriety tests. In this case so he keeps his students coming back? The approach and tone is very off-putting, especially rich for someone who's name is famous because of their dad.
Great lesson! Very good tips! I got a lot a practice ahead of me! But at least I now understand! Thanks for this!
Had to stop watching getting motion sickness from camera work… good content, but you need a gimbal or something damn
hard to watch, he is too handsy with his arms also, thats why he hits far with other, i see this at the range also, the handys full of arm swing sure they go far half of the bucket, the other half you can see the frustration that their shots are going all over the place, high low,
Lets be real, hitting to a blank space is difficult.. if there were objects out there at those distances, it would be way easier..
The background music is unnecessary
Great video!! I've been a user of the clock system since I read Dave Pelzs' book "The Short Game Bible". I'll tell you once you get the clock system down and really ingrain it. You will always have it. It may not be 100% perfect but you will be close. The shorter ones are about the tempo trying to be soft. One of the things I've learned over the years. Short to intermediate wedge shots are finesse shots. Your not trying to hit it as far as possible. So your stance shouldn't look like a full shot. Cordie, your feet are way to far apart during those short wedge shots. Get them a lot closer together and less wrist hinge. Stance width and wrist hinge are speed generators we don't want those with a finesse shot.
Just watched Dan Grieve and problem solved
Being a “good” golfer ( competent with all clubs) is lot of work and understand….or bad training aids and lie a lot…Great segment…😊
Very well done instructional video Hats off to Rapsodo for putting all the reviews of their product on the site but…… After reading the 1 and 2 star reviews I'll keep my $700 in my pocket. Nonetheless well done video and it hit a nerve on one of my Achilles heels distance on wedges. Thanks
Interesting bit about the shaft lean part compared to the Mark Blackburn wedge video where he sort of said the opposite
Great video! For the average working adult who has an indoor LM and is a single digit, how frequently should we be doing wedge practice? Like, is 2 Stack wedge sessions per week enough?
Great content. Had a lesson for long game with Claude in Dubai and so glad you shot this. However the camera moving so much is making it super hard to watch – maybe worth noting for the future. Even with all that screen moving, content is super genius 🎉
I love wedges in high school I used to practice chipping in 5 times in a row from about 8 feet before I could leave for the day
What club is Cordie using for this pratice and wedge measurement?
I mean no respect but how can one can be a scratch golfer et not knowing and practicising all of this ?? I only have 2 years of golf and I do that since one year at least…this is basic for yardage no ?
on another note, pleaaaaaase , camera man should try not to move so much especially when subject is not moving at all….playing with zoom is fun but try not to make us dizzy ;, thanks !
Looks like I’m getting my baseline for my wedges this weekend. Great video!
I know my 8 to 4 is 40 meters . If you can get you 8 o'clock distance you can easily adjust to other distances from there . Make sure you can nail your 8 all the time and you be a way better wedge player .
Are going to block practice each of the 4 distances or do random practice between the 4 distances he outlined?
At 02:17. Your face when you realise how inaccurate the mlm is with normal balls.
Rather than trying to "make" your 9 to 3 swing go 50 yds, just see how far your 9 to 3 swing goes. If it goes 55 yds consistently, your number is 55
Solid advice and great content! Subscribed!
Confused about the loft of the wedge being used….
With the shortened backswing need to give yourself a fraction longer at the top to give yourself time to transfer your weight properly otherwise you will hit it fat/thin ect.