( Tips from the Pros The Texas Wedge, Minnesota Style Use your putter to get your golf ball out of some tight spots. By Craig Waryan Photos by Matt Seefeldt Y ou're in a tight spot. The options are few and far between-and even Phil wouldn't hit his " mile-high " fl op shot. It's a situation where score is more important than impressing your group with a death-defying wedge shot. Now is the time to pull out one of the best recovery shots any player could have in their bag: " The Texas Wedge. " Say that you need to hit off a bare spot near the green, or out of a divot or slight depression. Perhaps the ground is very fi rm and the lie is tight. When a ball is being played from these conditions, the club's bounce is not your friend. Try the Texas Wedge shot (putter) out of deeper rough with a little wrist hinge to help pop it out. s 5SE YOUR REGULAR GOLF GRIP6ARDON OVERLAP BASEBALL OR 10-fi nger will work). s 4HE HANDS ARE lRMLY ON THE CLUB TO ABSORB THE SHOCK OF A heavier hit than a putt would normally produce. These grips are designed for power, not delicate work. s 0LAY THE BALL BACK IN THE STANCE AS THE ENTIRE BODY LEANS forward, which will produce a downward blow. The ball will pop slightly into the air and hit the ground running. There is no need to hit it too hard, because the ball will head to the hole like a homesick gopher, courtesy of the Texas Wedge, Minnesota style! Craig Waryan is a PGA Master Professional and West Coast Senior Instructor for Bird Golf Academy and Edinburgh USA. www.mngolf.org Directory 2011 MINNESOTAGOLFER 15http://www.mngolf.org