The 3 Wedge System: How to Dial in Distances from 20 to 60 Yards

The scoring zone—20 to 60 yards—is where rounds are saved or lost. These aren’t full swings, and they’re not chips either.

Too many golfers guess their way through these shots, relying on feel alone. That leads to inconsistent distance control and blown opportunities to get up-and-down.

If you want to shoot lower scores, you need a simple system to cover these in-between yardages with precision. That’s where the 3 wedge system comes in.

It gives you structure, confidence, and predictable results when you’re close to the green.

What Is the 3 Wedge System?

The 3 wedge system means carrying three dedicated scoring wedges—usually a gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge. Each club offers a different loft and naturally hits the ball a different distance.

You’re not using them for full swings from 100+ yards. Instead, you’re hitting partial shots from 20 to 60 yards with a shortened, controlled motion.

Typical wedge setups look like this:

• Gap Wedge (GW): ~50–52°
• Sand Wedge (SW): ~54–56°
• Lob Wedge (LW): ~58–60°

Each wedge covers a range of distances when paired with a controlled backswing length. That gives you nine or more reliable yardages using a structured method.

Resource: Get the All Access Pass. Learn about our training programs with step by step practice drills, weekly schedules and routines to follow so you can break 90, break 80 or scratch golf. Plus access our video lesson library in addition to following the practice plans.

How the Clock System Helps Control Distance

To build a reliable wedge game, you need a consistent way to measure your swing length. That’s where the clock system comes in.

Imagine a clock face behind you. Your lead arm in the backswing moves to 8:00, 9:00, or 10:00 positions depending on how far you want the ball to travel.

This creates structured, repeatable distances. You’re no longer guessing or relying purely on feel.

Each swing length delivers a specific carry yardage. Combine that with your three wedges, and you now have a complete wedge matrix.

The goal is simple:

• Short swing (8:00) = lowest carry
• Medium swing (9:00) = mid-range carry
• Longer swing (10:00) = maximum wedge carry (not full)

Once you know your numbers, you can trust them under pressure.

Establishing Your Yardages: 3 Wedges × 3 Swings

Now it’s time to map out your wedge matrix. You’ll use each of your three wedges with three different swing lengths.

That gives you nine total distances to cover the 20–60 yard range.

Here’s a sample chart:

Gap Wedge (52°):

• 8:00 = 30 yards
• 9:00 = 40 yards
• 10:00 = 50 yards

Sand Wedge (56°):

• 8:00 = 25 yards
• 9:00 = 35 yards
• 10:00 = 45 yards

Lob Wedge (60°):

• 8:00 = 20 yards
• 9:00 = 30 yards
• 10:00 = 40 yards

Use a launch monitor, range markers, or measured targets to dial these in. Write them down on a card or in your phone to reference during rounds.

The goal is to turn partial wedge shots into scoring weapons.

How to Practice Your Wedge Matrix

Building your wedge system starts on the practice range. This isn’t about hitting full swings—it’s about dialing in carry distances with control.

Start by focusing on carry distance only, not total rollout. Most wedge shots are judged by how far they fly, not how far they run out.

Use a launch monitor, laser-measured targets, or colored flags to get accurate feedback. Write down the average carry for each swing length and wedge.

Drill idea:

• Hit 3 shots with each wedge at 8:00, 9:00, and 10:00 positions
• Record carry distance for each
• Repeat weekly to fine-tune and track consistency

This turns your practice from random to repeatable. And that’s how confidence is built.

Benefits of a Wedge System on the Course

Once you know your wedge numbers, everything gets easier. There’s no more second-guessing when you’re inside 60 yards.

Your pre-shot routine becomes faster. You check your distance, match it to a swing and wedge, and commit.

This leads to:

• Better proximity to the hole
• More up-and-downs
• Less stress on your full swing and putting

The best part? It holds up under pressure. Whether you’re trying to save par or wedge it close on a birdie hole, your system keeps you steady.

Tips for Gapping and Adjusting Based on Conditions

Even with a solid wedge matrix, you’ll need to make minor adjustments during your round. Course conditions and lies can shift your expected carry.

If the turf is soft or wet, the ball may not carry as far. In that case, club up or swing just a touch longer—without changing your tempo.

On firm fairways or with a breeze behind you, take one less club or shorten the swing slightly. Let the ground or wind do some of the work.

Also, consider the lie:

• Tight lie: cleaner contact, maybe a little more carry
• Fluffy lie: ball might come out dead, needs more swing
• Sloped lie: requires balance and sometimes lower expectations

Make your adjustments with tempo and setup—not by swinging harder.

How to Choose Your Ideal Wedge Setup

Every golfer needs the right wedge setup for their game. For most players, a 3-wedge system offers enough versatility without overcomplication.

If you’re a mid-to-high handicapper, a GW–SW–LW setup gives you a wide range of lofts for various shots. It’s simple and effective.

More advanced players might carry a 4-wedge setup like PW (46°), GW (50°), SW (54°), and LW (58–60°) to tighten distance gaps even more.

Pick wedges that blend with your irons and cover 100 yards and in. Make sure the loft gaps are even—ideally 4–6 degrees apart.

Your wedges should feel like scoring tools, not random clubs in the bag.

Common Mistakes with Wedge Distance Control

Even with a system in place, many golfers fall into habits that ruin their wedge consistency. The most common? Swinging too hard.

Wedges aren’t meant to be maxed out. When you try to muscle a 60-yard shot, you lose feel and accuracy.

Another mistake is inconsistent tempo. Rushing the backswing or decelerating on the follow-through throws off distance control.

Many golfers also forget to practice partial shots. They focus on full swings and neglect the finesse side of scoring.

And lastly, don’t ignore the lie or slope. A perfect 40-yard swing might come up short if the ball is in a slight depression or sitting down in thick grass.

Eliminating these mistakes helps your wedge system do its job.

Conclusion + Call-to-Action

The 3 wedge system is your scoring advantage from 20 to 60 yards. It removes guesswork, gives you structure, and builds confidence with the clubs that matter most.

By learning your yardages with different swing lengths and practicing them with purpose, you’ll be ready for any short shot the course throws your way.

Start building your wedge matrix this week. Record your numbers, practice your positions, and watch your up-and-down percentage skyrocket.

Want help structuring your short game?
Download our 15 Short Game Drills PDF for free.

Or check out the full training library with the Foy Golf Academy All-Access Pass for step-by-step guidance to dial in your wedges and lower your scores fast.

Golf Practice Plans to Follow

• How to Score in the 60’s Golf Training Plan
• How to Score in the 70’s Golf Training Plan
• How to Score in the 80’s Golf Training Plan
• All Access: Get Every Practice Plan (Lifetime Membership)

Thanks for reading today’s article!

Nick Foy – Golf Instructor