A Texas wedge is a term used to describe a putter that is used from off of the green.
A Texas wedge is not a type of wedge or even a type of golf club.
It is simply another name for a putter.
When a golfer putts from the fringe or fairway instead of chipping or pitching, it can be referred to as a “Texas wedge.”
The goal of employing the Texas wedge is to keep the ball low and running along the ground, thereby avoiding unpredictable bounces and minimizing errors (chunks, blades) that could occur when using a lofted wedge.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for some crazy videos of Jack Nicklaus and Michael Phelps draining some long range Texas wedges!
Why Is It Called A Texas Wedge?
It’s called a Texas wedge because the play (putting from off the green) originated in Texas in the early to mid-1900s.
Back then (and still today) many courses in Texas had elevated greens and very dry and firm fairways.
Due to those course conditions and frequent high winds, pitching and chipping are very difficult.
Rather than using a wedge, many players chose to putt the ball from upwards of 20 yards off the green, hence the term “Texas wedge.”
When To Use A Texas Wedge
It is advisable to use a Texas wedge anytime you feel more comfortable putting it than pitching or chipping.
For many amateurs, that will be virtually anytime they are reasonably close enough to the hole to putt.
Don’t use a wedge when you are 10 feet off the green just because you think, “that’s what good players do.”
Ideal conditions for using a Texas wedge:
- Only short grass between your ball and the hole
- Close enough to take a normal putting stroke
- Windy conditions
- Fast and firm fairways and green
- From tight lies near the green
Most players’ worst putt will be significantly better than their worst chip or pitch.
And for most mid-handicappers and up, a good rule of thumb is to keep the ball on the ground as much as possible when playing short shots near the green.
Putting eliminates the possibility of the “big miss” due to chunking or blading a wedge and give most players a much better chance at getting up and down.
That said, sometimes it’s simply not possible to use a putter from off the green.
Related: Discover The Magic Of The Bump And Run: Improve Your Short Game Today
When NOT To Use A Texas Wedge
- Ball is in the rough
- Thick grass between your ball and the hole
- Obstacles such as ball marks or sprinkler heads in your line
- Wet conditions
Do PGA Pros Ever Use A Texas Wedge?
They sure do!
Particularly on links style courses that are fast and firm with windy conditions.
You will see many pros using the Texas wedge every year at the Open Championship (British Open).
In 2022, Cam Smith all but secured his Open Championship victory over Rory McIlroy with a Texas wedge on the par four 17th hole at St. Andrews.
Smith had the “Road Hole” bunker between his ball and the hole.
Instead of attempting a very risky, nervy pitch over the bunker, Smith chose to keep the ball on the ground by putting it around the bunker.
Awesome Videos Of Some Texas Wedges
Jack Nicklaus Showing Johnny Miller How It’s Done:
Michael Phelps Drains A 53 YARD Putt:
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