Any of us who have spent time on the golf course playing with others have learned the meaning of the term Texas wedge. I can’t remember when I first heard it, but it was early in my golfing career. It may have been the first time I pulled the putter out being a few yards off the green. I’m sure someone in the group couldn’t wait to call out the “nice Texas wedge.” The term Texas wedge is used when a player uses their putter to hit a shot around the green instead of using a wedge to chip.
Where did the term Texas wedge come from?
There are several stories that are attributed to the early use of the term Texas wedge. One story back in the early 1900’s talks about the rock hard, firm fairways of Texas and how players were having trouble getting a wedge under the ball. Being unable to get the wedge under the ball, they might skull the shot over the green. Players would pull the putter out to play the higher percentage, safer shot versus taking on the traditional wedge shot. So, using the putter off the green instead of a wedge started being called using the Texas wedge. The term stuck and continues to be bantered around golf courses all over the world these days.
When should you use the Texas wedge?
Lots of golfers break out the Texas wedge when they are on the fringe of the green or just off the fringe of the green. Many golfers also use it when the lie is questionable. Examples of questionable lies would be those same rock hard fairways where it’s tougher to get a wedge under the ball when chipping. One might also use it when facing shots around green complexes that are severely sloped. Even the pros will pull out a Texas wedge now and again when faced with greens that are severely elevated and the outcome of a questionable chip might bring a ball back to their feet.
Can you use a Texas wedge too much?
Technically, the answer is no. However, the Texas wedge play does has its limitations. Yet, their are golfers who find it the most comfortable and safe play. Some players can even get pretty good at it with experience. Green side bunker with no lip, break out the Texas wedge. High rough 5 yards off the green, just swing harder and break out the Texas wedge. I have a life long friend and member of our foursome who has maximized the use of the Texas wedge. His name is Big E and he will break it out on almost any occasion. We’ve seen the Texas wedge out of the bunker, we’ve seen the Texas wedge out of the high rough, we’ve seen the Texas wedge off the tee box. We once even saw the Texas wedge up in the rocks at a course in Montana. We really did, and I’ve got the video to prove it.