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. Golf club makers have decreased pitching wedge loft degrees over recent years, with the gap wedge becoming an option for golfers.
Full Answer
What is a sand wedge in golf?
The sand wedge was first made in 1930 for players to utilize to hit a golf ball out of the sand, but it has since been popularly employed to hit the ball from high grass or from a fairway. The loft on a sand wedge ranges between 54 and 58 degrees, and it has a heavy clubhead.
Do you hit the ball farther with a gap wedge or sand wedge?
You’ll also hit the ball farther with a gap wedge than a sand wedge, because the sand wedge is a higher-lofted club. M.L. Rose has worked as a print and online journalist for more than 20 years.
What is a gap wedge in golf?
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 on a sand wedge?
The loft on a sand wedge ranges between 54 and 58 degrees, and it has a heavy clubhead. Golfers will choose a sand wedge when facing a shot of between 80 and 100 yards that needs to get into the air quickly.
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 3 wedges should you have in your bag?
Know your pitching wedge loft. 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.
What is a sand wedge used for in golf?
A sand wedge, or sand iron, is a type of golf club, an open-faced wedge primarily designed for getting out of sand bunkers. It has the widest sole of any wedge, which provides the greatest amount of bounce, allowing the club head to glide through sand and avoid digging in.
Is an A wedge the same as a sand wedge?
The main difference between a lob wedge and a sand wedge is the loft. A lob wedge is typically between 58 and 64 degrees of loft and a sand wedge is typically between 54 and 57 degrees of loft. In addition, they are very often used differently on the course.
Do beginners need a sand wedge?
As well as a club that offers sufficient loft to get out of greenside bunkers and optimize your precision on chip shots. Therefore, the top two wedges that a beginner should carry in their bags are pitching and a sand wedge.
What wedge should you chip with?
What degree wedge is best for chipping? For most golfers, a gap wedge or a sand wedge with loft of between 52° and 56° will produce the most consistent outcome when chipping. This is because you'll be able to play most short-game shots you're likely to come across out on the course.
When should I use sand wedge?
Some typical situations that would call for a sand wedge are:the ball is in the sand (of course)the ball is sitting in muddy ground, and/or is sitting down in the rough.the ball is on firm grass and you want to hit a higher, softer shot.
Should you chip with a sand wedge?
For the average golfer, chipping with a sand wedge should only be used when you need to get the ball over an obstacle. A sand wedge is much more prone to chunking or topping the ball, and is why most golfers should use a gap or pitching wedge in most cases.
Which wedge to use around the green?
Pitching Wedge Loft Here is when I think it is best to use a pitching wedge to chip with around the green: If your golf ball is just off the green by about 10 yards and the ground is relatively flat, try using a pitching wedge to keep the golf ball lower to the ground so it can run out towards the hole.
Do I need an approach wedge and a sand wedge?
Distance-wise, this is very personal but as a general rule you should use the approach wedge when the pitching wedge is too much but the sand wedge isn't enough. It is also a great club to use instead of hitting a hard sand wedge as it will give you more control of your spin.
Is a lob wedge good for sand?
A lob wedge is going to be the highest-lofted club in your golf bag. Although the sand wedge is known for being the go-to option out of a bunker, the lob wedge can be a great tool from the sand as well. We love the lob wedge for short shots around the green where you need to get the ball up and down very quickly.
What wedges should a high handicapper carry?
What Loft Wedges Should A High Handicapper Carry? High handicappers should carry at least a 56-degree wedge. In addition, it makes sense to have a 52-degree wedge and a 60-degree wedge to have a variety of shots.
What is a sand wedge?
The sand wedge is often a player’s highest-lofted club, if the golfer doesn’t carry a lob wedge with even greater loft. Therefore, the sand wedge may occasionally be used for a variety of very short shots outside of bunkers that require as much height as possible. But the sand wedge’s primary responsibility is to help golfers escape ...
What is the purpose of a sand wedge?
But the sand wedge’s primary responsibility is to help golfers escape from greenside bunkers. Thanks to the bounce plate, the sand wedge -- if swung correctly -- digs into the sand far enough to get under the ball, then glides forward to allow the player to make solid contact and hit a short, lofted shot.
How much loft does a pitching wedge have?
For many years, pitching wedges contained about 48 to 50 degrees of loft, and sand wedge loft hovered in the mid-50s. Toward the end of the 20th century, however, the industry trend was to make clubs with less loft, and typical pitching wedge lofts dropped to about 46 or 47 degrees. This left a large gap between the lofts of the pitching and sand wedges. Gap wedges were created to literally fill the gap between the other two wedges.
What are the different types of wedges in golf?
Golf wedges are usually classified into four categories: pitching, gap, sand and lob. The main differences include the amount of loft each clubhead features, as well as the size of the bounce plate on the sole. All four clubs are used as part of a golfer’s short game. Although this aspect of golf may not seem as glamorous as the long-distance shots, it’s still a very important part of any player’s game. Remember that most golf shots are taken from within 100 yards of the hole.
When was the pitching wedge invented?
The pitching wedge was once golf’s only wedge and was the club of choice for hitting out of bunkers. Gene Sarazen built the first sand wedge in 1931 , reportedly after being inspired by a discussion with aviation pioneer Howard Hughes, who compared an airplane’s path through the air with a pitching wedge’s battle with sand. Sarazen soldered some metal to a pitching wedge’s sole to limit the distance the wedge would dig into the sand, creating the first bounce plate.
Is a gap wedge good for short range?
Casual golfers, however, usually make more consistent contact by taking a full swing, making a gap wedge a good choice for short-range play . All else being equal, you’ll hit the ball higher and shorter with a gap wedge than with a pitching wedge, because of the gap wedge’s greater loft. You’ll also hit the ball farther with a gap wedge ...
What is an approach wedge?
An approach wedge, also called a gap wedge, is a golf club that fills the gap between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge. Approach wedges have more loft than a pitching wedge but less loft than a sand wedge. This means you’ll be able to hit the pitching wedge the furthest, followed by the approach wedge and then the sand wedge.
Why was the approach wedge needed?
The approach wedge was needed because manufacturers started lowering the loft of pitching wedges – well, irons in general. However, they kept the loft of sand wedges the same. This created a large gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge.
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 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 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.
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.
How far can you hit a gap wedge?
The gap wedge is used to hit the ball between 90 and 110 yards, which fills the gap between the optimum distances for pitching and sand wedges. Rather than having to choose between swinging a pitching wedge easy or a sand wedge very hard to make the ball go these distances, a golfer can opt for the gap wedge, which can accomplish ...
What is the best wedge for a golf club?
A sand wedge is probably the most common wedge in the game of golf. Many people believe the sand wedge will be the best choice out of a bunker, but truly lots of different types of golf clubs can work from a bunker. Sand wedges have lofts of anywhere from 54 to 58 degrees. Sand wedges are great for chip shots and pitch shots as it has ...
What type of wedges do you use for golf?
The pitching wedge, gap wedge sand wedge, and lob wedge are the four different types of golf wedges that players will carry. (You could also carry the Square Strike Wedge if you are newer to the game and have difficulty chipping and putting). Ensuring that you have a variety of golf wedges and can use them from all different lies will help you become a better golfer.
How Many Wedges Should A Golfer Carry?
Ideally, a golfer should carry four wedges. Each of the wedges should have different lofts and bounce to ensure that the golfer can hit various shots. Whether you are trying to hit flop shots like Phil Mickelson or a bunk and run to keep things safer, the combination of wedge loft, bounce, and grind you have in your bag will make this possible.
What is a pitching wedge?
Pitching wedges are used for approach style shots to the green, as well as chipping and pitching. Typically speaking, the pitching wedge will have a bit less launch because of the lower loft. In addition, pitching wedges are designed to be a bit more forgiving than some other wedges in the bag.
What are the different types of wedges in 2021?
The four types of golf wedges are the pitching wedge, gap wedge (or approach wedge), sand wedge, and lob wedge. Within each of these categories, the wedges can have different bounce, grind, ...
Why use a high bounce wedge on a sand wedge?
Many people choose high bounce wedges for sand wedges because the club can get through the sand easier and tends to be quite a bit more forgiving. If you want to send the ball high and see it last softly on the green, the sand wedge is the perfect club for the job.
What degree of loft is a lob wedge?
Lob Wedge. Last but certainly not least is the lob wedge. Lob wedges typically have between 58 and 62 degrees of loft. This club will produce higher shots than pitching and sand wedges, and they will also offer quite a bit of spin.
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.
Which has more loft, a gap wedge or a pitching wedge?
A Gap Wedge will have more loft than a Pitching Wedge, this means the Pitching Wedge will go further than a Gap Wedge.
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.
What is the difference between a sand wedge and a lob wedge?
The main difference a lob wedge and sand wedge is that a lob wedge has a loft of 60° to 64°, while a sand wedge has a loft of about 52° to 58°. The lob wedge and sand wedge are used for different purposes. A lob wedge is used to make shots that rise high quickly, such as shots to get over trees while a sand wedge is used specifically ...
How long should a sand wedge be for a female golfer?
Female golfers should use a steel sand wedge of 34.25 inches, and 34.75 inches for a sand wedge made of graphite.
When Should You Use a Lob Wedge?
Lob wedges are typically used to make shots that rise in the air quickly. They can help you consistently hit your golf ball close to the flag from about 50 to 60 yards out.
How Much Bounce is there on a Lob Wedge?
The “bounce” of a wedge also refers to the curvy bit on the sole of the wedge that enables the head to “bounce” out of sand or rough without snagging.
How Many Degrees is a Sand Wedge?
Unlike a lob wedge, a sand wedge usually has a loft of 52° to 58°. The loft of the sand wedge helps to propel your golf ball quickly into the air with spin due to the way it’s designed. Of course, this is to make shots to get your golf ball out of sand bunkers easier.
How Long is a Lob wedge?
The length of lob wedges varies and golfers need to get a feel of it themselves to choose the correct length that suits them. It’s like trying to get the right fit on a pair of shoes.
What is the first specialty wedge a beginner should add to their golf bag?
The sand wedge is the first specialty wedge a beginner should add to their golf bag.
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 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 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 the bounce in golf?
Bounce is the amount a club's leading edge is above the bottom of the club face.
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.
Identification
Iron golf clubs will have the number from 2 to 9. On the other hand, a wedge may come with a large alphabet stumped on the clubface. That means you may notice a big PW or P on the face of the club when it is a pitching wedge. GW, SW, and LW or G, S, L would be the marking for the rest of the wedges.
Differences between wedges
The primary difference between all the wedges is the loft angle. We classify them according to their loft angle. A wedge from 45 degrees to 47 degrees of loft is a pitching wedge. Pitching wedge is one of the most common golf wedges you would notice in most people's golf bags.
Differences between longer and shorter irons
The main differences between the longer and shorter Irons are the shaft and loft. Shorter Irons will have a shorter shaft design with a moderate amount of loft. On the other hand, longer irons will have a decent shaft with a less amount of loft.
Which Iron and wedges should you carry inside of your golf bag?
The number of Irons and wedges are manifolds. That is why it becomes a little confusing for most beginner and amateur golfers to pick up the right Irons and wedges to put inside of their golf bag.