TIPS FROM THE PROS * BY MIKE BARGE * Mike Barge is the director of instruction at Hazeltine National GC, and a Class A member of the PGA of America and the Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame. Mind the Gap Carrying the right wedges (with the correct gap differential) will improve your short game. A long with putting and driving, wedge play has an equally important impact on your score. Wedges also have the most variety in shots required. We hit them full and partial, with different trajectories, and in all kinds of lies. Because of this, choosing the right ones and how many to carry is a big decision. Having 4-6 degree difference between your wedges is ideal. Any more than that creates too large of a distance gap. Since pitching wedge lofts have become stronger, the need for a wedge between the PW and the sand wedge is necessary. The bounce on your wedge is also important, as it helps with turf interaction and prevents digging. A proper wedge fi tting can improve your short game in a hurry. mngolf.org Fall 2020 MINNESOTAGOLFER 9 PHOTO BY MATT SEEFELDThttp://www.mngolf.org