When would you use a gap wedge?
The gap wedge gives the low- to medium-handicap golfer more options when he is 60 to 100 yards from the green. It can be used on approach shots but also to get out of the rough or a bunker. The gap wedge has the majority of its weight at the bottom of the club, which allows it to get the ball in the air quickly.
How far should you hit a gap wedge?
On average, recreational golfers hit their gap wedge 103 yards, but the range can be between 90 and 120 yards. For shorter shots that only require a 1/2 swing, the average distance will be much less. The numbers are a bit tighter than before, with the shortest distance being 90 yards and the longest being 120 yards.
Do you really need a gap wedge?
Summary. Gap wedges are an essential part of every golfer's bag. They give you more versatility with your shots and allow you to get out of difficult situations when needed, which makes them a must-have for any serious player.Sep 28, 2021
What's the difference between a gap wedge and pitching wedge?
Gap / Approach Wedge Your gap wedge will have more loft than your pitching wedge and less loft than your sand wedge. In our example a 50-degree gap wedge would do perfectly! Gap Wedges are also known as approach or utility wedges but "gap" is a very handy way to remember them because that's what they do.Mar 2, 2018
Which wedge is best for chipping?
The sand wedge is the wedge that is the best for chipping. With a sand wedge, you can fly the ball reasonably close to the pin, and expect it only to roll a few feet. Sand wedges are great out of the bunker, and they provide a ton of spin even on shots out of the rough.
Where does a gap wedge fit?
So What Is A Gap Wedge Or Approach Wedge? The gap or approach wedge is designed to fit into the gap between the modern pitching wedge and the sand wedge hitting distance. They will normally have a loft of about 50 to 54 degrees and a full swing should take the average golfer 90 to 110 yards.Jan 20, 2021
Is a 52 wedge a gap wedge?
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 3 wedges should I carry?
So generally think about putting in a gap wedge that's 48 or 50 degrees, a sand wedge that's between 54 and 56 degrees, and a lob wedge that's between 58 and 60 degrees. These are general guidelines, make sure you're working with your fitter to get the gapping that works best for you. 3.Feb 23, 2018
Do pros carry a gap wedge?
Looking at the average configurations and lofts, around 60% of pro players use a pitching wedge with 46 degrees of loft, with 48 degrees being the second most common loft option. With gap wedges, the 52-degree loft is used by 42% of players, with 33% opting for the 50-degree model.Oct 9, 2021
Do I need a sand wedge if I have a gap wedge?
Most golfers agree that a sand wedge is essential in your bag. As your experience and skills grow you can look at other wedges but to start with one should have at least a pitching wedge and a sand wedge.Jan 9, 2022
Does a gap wedge hit further than a pitching wedge?
A gap wedge, with a loft of 50 to 54 degrees, will hit a ball farther than a sand wedge and shorter than a pitching wedge.
Which club should go the furthest most distance?
Out of the irons carried by the average golfer, the 3 iron should theoretically be the iron that is hit the furthest. This means anywhere from 125 to 250 yards, depending on the golfer.
What is a gap wedge?
The gap wedge is a golf club that is used for distances too short for a pitching wedge and too long for a sand wedge. It has a club head angle that is in between those of its cousins the pitching and sand wedges.
How far can you hit a gap wedge?
Many gap wedges can be hit 90 yards, less than the average pitching wedge shot, which is about 105 yards, but more than the average sand wedge (70 yards), according to Leaderboard.com. Distances may vary between golfers. You should practice hitting your sand and pitching wedges to determine the differences in distance.
What is the difference between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge?
The pitching wedge is usually around 45 degrees while the sand wedge is between 54 and 58 degrees. Golf club makers have decreased pitching wedge loft degrees over recent years, with the gap wedge becoming an option for golfers.
Where is Tim Bodamer?
Tim Bodamer is a freelance writer based in Seminole, Florida. He attended Edinboro Univerity of Pennsylvania where he studied journalism. He has 15 years of writing experience and specializes in sports, business and general interest topics.
What is a wedge in golf?
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.
Why do golfers use wedges?
Because wedge shots have such a high trajectory, they tend to roll very little once they hit the green. More accomplished players can produce a great deal of backspin with a wedge, causing the ball to back up (or "bite") once it hits the green. Any wedge can also be used for chipping around the green.
What are the different types of wedges?
In the late 20th century, as more specialization entered golf, golf companies began making additional wedges. Today, the other two wedges that are common are: 1 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. 2 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 for shots that you want to hit the green with a minimum of roll.
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 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.
What is a sand wedge?
Sand wedges are sometimes included in a basic set of irons, but it is unusual for a gap or lob wedges to be included in a packaged iron set. Because the focus with wedges is on accuracy—trying to hit a short shot as close as possible to the flagstick —wedges are often referred to as the "scoring clubs.".
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 loft of a gap wedge?
A gap wedge, with a loft of 50 to 54 degrees, will hit a ball farther than a sand wedge and shorter than a pitching wedge. How did the gap wedge get its name? Very simply, it is a club that will go further than your sand wedge, but will result in a shorter shot hit with your pitching wedge. Thus, it fills the gap between the two clubs.
Who is Bill Herrfeldt?
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic.". He graduated from the University of Louisville.