Different Types of Golf Wedges & Lofts
- Pitching Wedge (Loft: 43°-48°)
- Gap Wedge (Loft: 48°-52°)
- Sand Wedge (Loft: 52°-58°)
- Lob Wedge (Loft: 58°-60°)
What are the different types of golf wedges?
Generally, there are 4 types of golf wedges. They include pitching, sand, gap, and lob wedges, all with different lofts. Pitching wedges have a loft of 46 degree and are the longest relative to other wedges and often has the least loft.
What is the best wedge for senior golfers?
5 rows · Now as we have understood the loft and the bounce let’s jump to our main topic which is—the ...
How to select a golf wedge?
What Are The Different Types of Golf Wedges Used For? 1. Pitching Wedge. A pitching wedge has the least loft off all the wedges. In fact, the loft of a pitching wedge is between 44- and 50-degrees. The ... 2. Gap Wedge. 3. Sand Wedge. 4. Lob Wedge.
What wedges do the pros use?
Mar 15, 2004 · Gap wedge: So-named because it falls in-between the pitching wedge and sand wedge in loft. The gap wedge has more loft than a PW, less loft than a SW. Lob wedge: Usually the highest-lofted club a golfer will carry. The lob wedge creates a very steep angle of ascent and descent, for shots that must get up very quickly (perhaps, for example, to get over a tree) and …
What are the different golf wedges used for?
Wedges are the highest-lofted clubs in a set of golf clubs, designed for short approach shots (for most golfers, 120 yards and in), strokes played out of sand, chip shots and pitch shots, and generally any shot for which the golfer wants the ball to ascend and descend sharply.May 24, 2019
What is the order of golf wedges?
An ideal progression is for the pitching wedge to be 45 degrees, followed by a 50-degree gap wedge and complemented by 54- and 58-degree sand and lob wedges. 6. As always, get with your fitter to gain a better understanding of how your irons and wedges should work together.Feb 23, 2018
What is the difference in golf wedges?
The primary differentiating factor between wedges is the degree of loft each wedge club has. The trajectory of the ball when correctly struck is determined by the loft of the golf club. The higher the degree of loft, the faster the golf ball travels into the air.
What is a 55 wedge used for?
Sand Wedge – A sand wedge has about 55 degrees of loft and has not changed very much over the years. It is a versatile club and can be used from bunkers, from the edge of the green and for full shots. This is an essential club for all golfers.
What are the 4 types of golf wedges?
There are four styles in the wedge family: the pitching wedge, the gap wedge, the sand wedge and the lob wedge. Each club has a specific loft that makes it more suitable for certain shots. The Pitching Wedge (46-48 degrees) is the least lofted of all the wedges.
What wedge is 60 degrees?
lob wedgeA 60-degree wedge is considered a lob wedge and is mostly used to launch the ball high up in the air and land softly on the green. Examples could be hitting the ball over water or sand and quickly stopping it on the green. I used to have a 60 degree in my bag and it did come in handy in certain situations.
How do I choose the right wedge?
The key in choosing a set of wedges is to make sure that there are no big gaps in loft between the lowest lofted iron in your set and the first wedge and then also between edge wedge. Try to keep the lofts gaps to around 4 degrees between each club.
Is a 56-degree wedge the same as a sand wedge?
A 56-degree wedge is considered a sand wedge and is mainly used for hitting out of the sand and chipping around the green. A 56-degree wedge is one of the most used clubs and is the highest loft an average golfer should carry.
What's the difference between a 52 degree and 56-degree wedge?
Major Differences Between The 52- and 56-Degree Wedges The 52-degree wedge is mostly used as an approach shot to a hole, where the 56-degree wedge can be considered more of a finesse type shot. These clubs are certainly different enough that you would want to keep both of them in your bag if possible.
Should I get a 56 or 58 degree wedge?
For the average golfer, having a 56-degree wedge in your bag will be much more beneficial than having a 60-degree wedge. Sand wedges (54-56 degrees) are the most versatile wedge you can have while lob wedges (58+ degrees) should only be used by better golfers.
What is a 52-degree wedge used for?
A 52-degree wedge is considered a gap wedge and is used to fill the gap between your pitching wedge and your sand wedge. Golfers who have a 52-degree wedge in their bag typically have a pitching wedge that's between 47-48 degrees.
What is a 47 degree wedge used for?
Pitching Wedge Pitching wedges generally have a loft between 47 and 53 degrees depending on the club manufacturer. The clubfaces on pitching wedges have little bounce, which allows the clubface to slide under the ball, which gets the ball in the air quickly and sets it down softly on the green.
Which is the most commonly used wedge?
The pitching wedge is the most commonly used wedge.
What is 60 degrees wedge?
The lob wedge is the 60-degree wedge
Which is the best wedge?
The PING Glide 3.0, the Cleveland RTX4, and Taylormade Milled Grind 2.0 are the best wedges. Visit www.golferarena.com to find the best wedges acco...
The best selling wedge on the Amazon.com in 2020?
Pinnemeadow wedge 52° is the best selling wedge on amazon in 2020
Which wedge Tiger Woods use?
TaylorMade Milled Grind 56- and 60-degree wedges were used by Tiger Woods.
What is a 52 degree wedge?
A 52 degrees wedge is also known as a gap wedge and can be an alternative to pitching wedges. You can use it for hitting a golf ball higher in the air at a shorter distance. You can also use it to replace sand wedges so that you can get a longer and faster trajectory. Great in all conditions.
What is the loft of a pitching wedge?
A pitching wedge has the least loft off all the wedges. In fact, the loft of a pitching wedge is between 44- and 50-degrees. The loft of wedges pertains to the angle created between the face of the wedges and a made-up vertical line.
How many yards does a golf shot go into the air?
If the golf is properly struck with it, then it’ll pop into the air before traveling approximately 110-140 yards. Golfers hitting the green generally use these wedges.
How many clubs can you put in a wedge?
A wedge is a golf club that you will use in most rounds of the game. Since your bag can only accommodate fourteen clubs or irons, it would be tough for you to choose which ones you should leave out or put in. However, as long as you know what your needs are, choosing the right type of wedges would be easier then.
Is it necessary to buy a wedge in golf?
Whether you are a novice golfer or an experienced one, it is essential for you to purchase the types of wedge in golf other than a pitching wedge that matches your needs and swing. That way, rest assured that you will have your best performance all the time.
Do wedges save pars?
Nearly a quarter of all shots are being with the use of wedges. They can save pars or create birdies. On the other hand, if golfer struggling around the green does not use the appropriate types of wedges for the shot, then this type of equipment may cause them problems.
What is a gap wedge?
With pitching wedges typically lofted from 42 to 46 degrees, the gap wedge is so-called because it closes the "gap" in loft between the pitching wedge and sand wedge. A typical gap wedge might might be lofted from 48 to 54 degrees. The gap wedge also goes by the names A-wedge, attack wedge and approach wedge.
What is the loft of a lob wedge?
A typical lob wedge might have a loft of 60 degrees to 64 degrees. As its name implies, a lob wedge allows a player to "lob" the ball high into the air, from where it will drop steeply down onto the green, with little or no roll. With pitching wedges typically lofted from 42 to 46 degrees, the gap wedge is so-called because it closes ...
What is a 60 degree wedge?
Wedges feature the shortest shafts and highest lofts of any golf clubs. In fact, wedges are often identified by their loft rather than their name. A lob wedge might instead be called a "60-degree wedge," for example. Sand wedges were invented (generally credited to Gene Sarazen) to make shots out of sand bunkers easier.
What is the difference between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge?
Pitching wedge: The lowest-lofted of the wedges (the one that hits the ball the farthest), pitching wedges (abbreviated PW) are usually included in a set of irons. The PW is considered one of the basic clubs every golfer carries. Sand wedge: Designed specifically to make hitting shots out of bunkers easier. Abbreviated SW.
Why are gap wedges called wedges?
Today, the other two wedges that are common are: Gap wedge: So-named because it falls in-between the pitching wedge and sand wedge in loft. The gap wedge has more loft than a PW, less loft than a SW.
How many yards is a lob wedge?
A lob wedge would be 40-50 yards for men, 25-40 for women. A gap wedge would fall in between your pitching wedge and sand wedge yardages. And these clubs will, when properly struck, produce a very high, arching shot. So if you need to get over a tree, for example, a wedge comes in handy.
How many degrees are sand wedges?
Typically, sand wedges have lots from 52 to 56 degrees. As lofts on irons have decreased over time (e.g., a 5-iron today might be lofted at 26 degrees, whereas 30 years ago a 5-iron would have been lofted at 32 degrees), it has become more popular to carry additional wedges.
What is the gap between irons and wedges?
The loft gaps between your irons and wedges must make sense to ensure good distance control throughout your bag. PW gaps differ from brand to brand and standard PW lofts range between 44 and 48 degrees. The normal gap between irons in terms of loft is 4-5 degrees. If the PW in your set has 48 degrees of loft a gap wedge isn’t necessary, this, however, is a different case if your PW is 44 degrees, then there is a definite need for a 48 or 50-degree gap wedge.
What is the leading edge of a wedge?
The leading edge of a wedge is the bottom edge of the clubface , this bottom edge also wraps around to the bottom front of the clubface underneath the grooves. Leading edges of wedges come in different shapes and sizes, these different leading edges determine the bounce of the wedge.
What is a mid bounce wedge?
Mid bounce wedges feature 7 to 10 degrees of bounce. Wedges with mid bounce are ideal for golfers that play on a wide variety of firm and soft golf courses. Mid bounce wedges are the most popular option amongst amateur golfers. Professional golfers have different sets of wedges for different courses with different bounce options.
What is a lob wedge?
Lob wedges are designed to hit the golf ball with maximum height and spin. Some players love their lob wedges and others shy away from this lofted wedge. If you have the correct skill set the lob wedge can be a very powerful weapon to have in your bag.
Why are wedges important?
Wedge shots are very important and good wedge shots will instantly help you to lower your scores. It is evident that wedges are important clubs, in this article, we will take a closer look at the following: Anatomy of a golf club. Wedge shot types. The 4 different types of wedges. The importance of minding the gap.
What are the different types of wedges?
The 4 most popular types of golf wedges are the pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge. Each of these wedge types features subtle design differences but at the end of the day, loft is the differentiating factor between these wedges. Professional players tend to carry 4 wedges in their bag, in comparison, ...
What is a lob shot?
Lob shots are ideal if you need to hit over an obstacle such as a bunker or water hazard , the general rule of thumb is that a lob shot is required if you want to carry the ball about 90% and let it roll about 10% of the total shot distance.
What is a gap wedge?
Gap wedges are meant to be used on shots that are too short for a pitching wedge, but too long for a sand wedge. Most golfers hit gap wedges between about 90 and 110 yards.
How many yards do you hit a sand wedge?
Sand wedges generally have a loft between 54 and 58 degrees. With a regular golf swing, most golfers hit sand wedges around 90 yards.
What is the loft of a lob wedge?
They have the most loft of any of the wedges--between about 60 and 65 degrees- -and are most useful in situations around the green that call for precise shots.
How far should a gap wedge be hit?
Most golfers hit gap wedges between about 90 and 110 yards. The golf ball should fly high when properly struck with a gap wedge. Gap wedges do not come with a standard set of golf clubs. Before selecting a gap wedge, look at the loft of your pitching wedge and sand wedge. Your gap wedge should have a loft that is between the two.
What is the loft of a pitching wedge?
Pitching wedge. Of all the wedges, pitching wedges have the least loft. Generally, the loft of these types of wedges is between 44 and 50 degrees. When a golf ball is properly struck with a pitching wedge, it will pop up into the air and travel from about 110 yards to about 140 yards. The pitching wedge is most often used by golfers trying ...
How far do you hit a lob wedge?
Golfers generally hit lob wedges about 70 yards, and they are designed to send the ball high into the air. Lob wedges also are useful in situations in which golfers need to hit the ball and have it rise into the air quickly. Golfweeks' Adam Woodard breaks down the results from the match.
Who is Larry Anderson?
Larry Anderson has been a freelance writer since 2000. He has covered a wide variety of topics, from golf and baseball to hunting and fishing. His work has appeared in numerous print and online publications, including "Fargo Forum" newspaper. Anderson holds a Bachelor of Arts in print journalism from Concordia College.
What is the difference between a gap wedge and a sand wedge?
This means that it has a loft somewhere between 50 and 54 degrees, putting it in the middle of the pitching and sand wedges in terms of loft.
How many degrees of loft does a golf club have?
Virtually every set of golf clubs come with a pitching wedge, which is a club with between 44 and 49 degrees of loft to the clubface. The pitching wedge is designed to be able to get under a golf ball on contact, and these clubs are used to hit shots from distances of between 110 and 125 yards. While a professional golfer may hit his pitching wedge ...
What is the loft of a lob wedge?
Lob wedges have a loft of between 59 and 65 degrees and are designed to lift a golf ball quickly, then land it with lots of spin. The individual first taking up golf can become very confused by the different kinds of wedges and what these golf clubs are used for.
How does a sand wedge work?
The height a sand wedge can make a golf ball go when it is properly played translates into the ball usually stopping quickly after it descends onto the green. Some sets of golf clubs come with a sand wedge, while others do not.
What does degree of loft mean in golf?
The degree of loft on a golf club influences the trajectory of the ball when the club strikes it correctly—the higher the degree of loft, the more quickly the golf ball goes into the air.
How many degrees of difference between wedges?
The rule of thumb is that a player should have four degrees of difference between wedges. For instance, a golfer with a pitching wedge lofted at 46 degrees should have a gap wedge of 50 degrees, a sand wedge at 54 degrees and a lob wedge of no less than 58 degrees.
How many different types of wedges are there?
The individual first taking up golf can become very confused by the different kinds of wedges and what these golf clubs are used for. This is because there are four different types of wedges, each with a different degree of loft, which is the key characteristic that separates one wedge from another.
What is a pitching wedge?
Pitching Wedge. The most common wedge, the pitching wedge, is used for a variety of full shots, pitches and chips. Pitching wedges generally have a loft between 47 and 53 degrees depending on the club manufacturer. The clubfaces on pitching wedges have little bounce, which allows the clubface to slide under the ball, ...
What degree is a sand wedge?
Sand Wedge. If a golfer hits into a sand trap, he will reach for a sand wedge. The loft on sand wedges falls between 54 and 58 degrees. The clubface also features a large amount of bounce on its rounded bottom, which keeps it from digging into the sand on shots. While the sand wedge can be used in the fairway, the added bounce in ...
What is a gap wedge?
The club is generally lofted between 50 and 54 degrees and is meant to bridge the distance gap between a pitching wedge and sand wedge. A gap wedge can be used from the fairway, rough or on chips shots if a bit more loft is needed. Gap wedges are often not sold ...
Why do golfers use different wedges?
Golfers carry several different wedges that enable them to hit a number of different shots, but understanding the differences in the variety of wedges will help improve your short game and lower your scores.
How far away from the green should you use a wedge?
Golfers have many wedge options to use around the green. Golfers are faced with a variety of options when they’re within 125 yards of the green. From that distance, most golfers will reach for a wedge.
Can you use a sand wedge in a fairway?
While the sand wedge can be used in the fairway, the added bounce in the clubface makes bladed shots more likely to occur, but the extra loft on the club will cause the ball to stop more quickly on the greens.
Do all golf clubs come with pitching wedges?
The clubfaces on pitching wedges have little bounce, which allows the clubface to slide under the ball, which gets the ball in the air quickly and sets it down softly on the green. Nearly all standard golf club sets come with pitching wedges, though they can also be bought separately.
What loft is a lob wedge?
Lob Wedges. Lob wedges come in high lofts of 60 to 64 degrees , with the ultra lob wedges reaching up to 70 degrees. Precision is the name of the game for the lob wedge. It’s not a club for every bag, but if you play courses with lots of hazards, trees or elevated greens, the lob wedge can get your ball up and over trouble areas.
What is the loft angle of a pitching wedge?
The loft angle of a pitching wedge is between 46 and 50 degrees, depending on manufacturer, and is typically used from the fairway for shots requiring 100 to 120 yards of distance. It can also be used as an all-purpose wedge, but most are better off adding another wedge to their bag.
What is a sand wedge?
Sand Wedges. Sand wedges are specialty clubs designed with sand play in mind. The 54 to 60 degree lofts on these wedges are quite high, making a ball pop up and land close by – a hard shot of under 100 yards is typical.
How many yards does a golf shot get?
A typical fairway shot may get you 40 to 60 yards, but a 10 to 40 yard chip shot will surgically place your ball on the green. Professional golfers typically carry three or four wedges typically arranged so they differ in loft from 4 to 6 degrees.
How far can you put a wedge in mud?
Like the pitching wedge, it can be used in a variety of settings, but usually is most at home in the mud, sand and tall grass or from distances generally of 80 to 100 yards.
Can you get by with magic irons?
Depending on your level of skill and propensity for landing your ball in the middle of the worst parts of the course, you may be able to get by with just one of these magic irons. The degree of loft angle between the different wedges varies widely, making each a little better in specific situations and from specific distances.
What is wedge grind?
Andrew Tursky, Senior Equipment Editor: A wedge grind refers to the shaping of the bottom part of the wedge. It’s the part of the club that actually impacts the ground, so the particular shape of the grind has a huge impact on how your club interacts with the turf. The most common would be a “C grind” which has the toe and heel sections of the sole shaved off a bit to make the sole more rounded. This allows the wedge to play a bit more versatile from different lies and face orientations (open face, shut face, etc.). The only thing you really need to know, though, is that you probably need more bounce on your wedge. More bounce makes the wedge more forgiving and will keep you from hitting those embarrassing chunks and skulls around the greens. Just know that it’s basically impossible to pick out a wedge from a retail store and have it be the perfect wedge grind for you. That’s why I highly, highly recommend a wedge fitting. You need to try different grinds and bounces to figure out what’s best for you.
Can you pick out a wedge from a retail store?
Just know that it’s basically impossible to pick out a wedge from a retail store and have it be the perfect wedge grind for you. That’s why I highly, highly recommend a wedge fitting. You need to try different grinds and bounces to figure out what’s best for you. 2. It helps off different kinds of turf.
Who is Luke Kerr-Dineen?
Luke Kerr-Dineen is the Game Improvement Editor at GOLF Magazine and GOLF .com. In his role he oversees all the brand’s service journalism spanning instruction, equipment, health and fitness, across all of GOLF’s multimedia platforms.
Who is Jonathan Wall?
Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s Managing Editor for Equipment. Prior to joining the staff at the end of 2018, he spent 6 years covering equipment for the PGA Tour.
