The gap wedge fills the gap between the pitching and sand wedges. 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.
Full Answer
What is a gap wedge in golf?
The gap wedge is a specialized club for the golfer who plays close to the green. A gap wedge's angle varies between 50 and 54 degrees. The pitching wedge is usually around 45 degrees while the sand wedge is between 54 and 58 degrees.
How to get the perfect gap between your golf clubs?
If you are having trouble getting that perfect gap between your clubs, the first thing you ought to do is have your clubs checked by a qualified club fitter/maker.
Why should I join gap?
By joining GAP, you gain access to events and clubs you otherwise wouldn’t get, but that’s just the beginning.
Why subscribe to gap magazine?
to play and access events and challenge your game in new ways. to go up against. Many more chances to form bonds. STAY IN THE KNOW. GAP Magazine offers four issues a year, keeping you informed of all things GAP.
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 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.
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.
What happens when you wear a gap wedge?
When the gap wedge wears over time, the texture of the club face wears down and spin is reduced. You should clean your clubs regularly to maintain the finish of the club and produce the results you are looking for.
Which is better, steel or graphite wedges?
Steel is more durable than its graphite counterpart, and a steel wedge can help to control the shot. Graphite gap wedges provide extra distance for a golfer while eliminating shock from the shot.
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.
Do you need a gap wedge for sand?
You should practice hitting your sand and pitching wedges to determine the differences in distance. If you're comfortable with the distances with which you're hitting your wedges, you may not need a gap wedge.
What to do if you don't have a handicap index?
If you do not have an official USGA Handicap Index, and are interested in obtaining one, you must first join a golf club (this does not necessarily mean a private country club). The Golf Association of Philadelphia is able to assist you in locating a golf club. If you have a question, contact the Handicapping Department at 610-687-2340 ext.
How many golfers have USGA handicaps?
Today, there are more than two million golfers who have USGA Handicap Indexes issued by golf clubs.
What magazine focused on handicapping in its Summer 2015 issue?
The Golf Association of Philadelphia Magazine focused on handicapping in its Summer 2015 issue.
What degree is a pitching 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 ...
How far should a lob wedge be?
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.
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.
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 difference between a gap wedge and a sand wedge?
Gap Wedge Vs Sand Wedge. A Gap Wedge has more loft than a Sand Wedge, this means the Sand Wedge will go shorter than a Gap Wedge. A Sand Wedge will be used more out of the bunker and for chip shots, where the Gap Wedge will be used more for bump and run shots around the green and full shots.
How far should a gap wedge be between clubs?
Be sure to check the loft of your Pitching Wedge before you buy a Gap Wedge, as you want the gapping to be correct. Aim for 4 to 5 degrees between clubs, this will give you the perfect distance between each club.
What wedge to use for bump and run?
For shots around the green, using a Lob Wedge to get over a bunker or loft it up high will be the better club, but the Gap Wedge is perfect for any bump and run style shots.
How far apart should you gap a pitching wedge?
We suggest picking your Gap Wedge based on the loft of your Pitching Wedge. You generally want the degree to be 4 or 5 degrees apart, this will give you a nice 10 to 12 yard gapping between clubs. So, if your Pitching Wedge is 45 degrees, then you will need to choose a Gap Wedge with a 50 degree loft.
Why was the gap wedge invented?
It’s sole purpose is to fill the gap now created between the Sand Wedge and Pitching Wedge.
What is gap wedge?
Gap Wedges Overview. The Gap Wedge is not some special weapon that will make you hit it closer than another club. A Pitching Wedge was originally invented for pitching and shorter shots towards the green, while a Sand Wedge was originally invented to get out of the sand.
Why do you have two clubs with a gap?
One, you will have two clubs that hit it a similar distance because the lofts are similar, and two, you will have two clubs with too big of a gap between them, because the gap in the lofts are too far apart.
How far should a gap between irons be?
The ideal gap between irons is 10-15 yards with most players getting 10. Non the less, the amount of gap will vary from player to player (based on their technique) and model to model (based on what they feel is standard loft). Over time the typical lofts on irons has changed quite a bit. Modern clubs are typically "jacked up" for lack of a better way of saying it. Lowering lofts on clubs and making consumers "think" they are hitting irons further is a typical ploy. Non the less, standards today are different as a whole. A pitching wedge for instance typically travels the distance of an 8 or 9 iron of the past.
How does loft affect distance?
Speed - Everyone knows that speed affects distance, but they often don't think about the loft. Getting a consistent loft on your clubs means getting a consistent gap. Often times a golfer swings too slow to actually utilize the effective loft that is built into their clubs. A perfect example might be imagining a 90 year old, frail lady swinging her clubs. Because her club head speed is so slow, her pitching wedge will actually travel further than her 3 wood simply because the pitching wedge has much more loft. With her slow club head speed the ball is still getting into the air and carrying. With the super slow club head speed the 3 wood with its low loft on the other hand is simply diving into the ground and getting caught up in the grass with little roll. When you see a stronger player that swings hard however, you can really see the effective loft of each club at work and see the varying distances that each club goes. To get your gap, make sure you are generating amply club head speed.
Why are golfers frustrated?
Beginner golfers and higher handicappers are often frustrated as it commonly seems all their clubs tend to go the same distances. It's a common complaint during the interview process on the lesson tee. I like to quickly put students at ease by letting them know that it is: a) a very common complaint and b) often 2-3 years before one can establish a consistent gap between clubs. The reason for this is that their swings are still developing. Beginners and higher handicappers certainly aren't swinging consistently or even correctly for that matter from swing to swing. As timing and positions improve, so does the gap between irons.
How to get gap in golf club?
To get your gap, make sure you are generating amply club head speed. Swing Plane or Angle of Attack - If your swing plane is changing from swing to swing and your are attacking the ball at a different angle of attack the loft and spin will both be inconsistent resulting in uneven gaps between clubs.
What does it mean to have a consistent loft?
Getting a consistent loft on your clubs means getting a consistent gap. Often times a golfer swings too slow to actually utilize the effective loft that is built into their clubs. A perfect example might be imagining a 90 year old, frail lady swinging her clubs.
How to get consistent yardage on irons?
Getting your clubs checked, making a chart, checking your speed, swing plane and shaft angle is a great game plan for getting more consistent with your iron yardages. MyGolfInstructor.com has all the tips, drills and information you need to improve your iron play.
Why does a pitching wedge travel farther than a 3 wood?
Because her club head speed is so slow, her pitching wedge will actually travel further than her 3 wood simply because the pitching wedge has much more loft. With her slow club head speed the ball is still getting into the air and carrying.
