What? Putt with your sand wedge? Yep. That’s right. Certain situations on the course dictate that putting with a sand wedge might just be the most intelligent course management decision possible.

Why not use a putter? Here’s why. When your ball is wedged between the green and the fringe, or the fringe and the first cut of rough, the bottom half of the ball below the equator is below the first section of grass that you need to swing through.

This means it’s going to be nearly impossible to hit down on the ball and get the leading edge of the club cleanly under the ball. In fact, the leading edge of the club is going to get stuck or dig in the longer grass. This can result in a fat shot, double hit or a bladed shot that sails over the green.

When you are faced with a tough lie up against the fringe or the first cut, try to putt with or “belly” your sand wedge. You just may find this shot is a lot easier than you think and you’ll impress your friends with this nifty little secret of the pros!