![]() The pitching wedge is the default wedge included in virtually every set of golf clubs. The higher the degree of loft, the faster the golf ball travels into the air. The trajectory of the ball when correctly struck is determined by the loft of the golf club. The primary differentiating factor between wedges is the degree of loft each wedge club has. It can mean the difference between a healthy score, or frustration and embarrassment. That's why having a solid understanding of the different wedges is so important. What is each golf wedge used for, and at what point do you know which wedge to reach for?ĭepending on the shot you're going for, using the wrong wedge can have horrendous consequences, besides negatively affecting your score, it can also make you look like you don't quite know what you're doing. Golf can be stressful on a good day, leading one to wish you could just throw your clubs away, give up the whole golf thing and go camping. Wrapping your head around the differences between golf wedges can be difficult, especially if you’re new to the game. Or get the books.So, what's the difference between a Pitching, Gap, Sand, and Lob Golf Wedge? Work on any part of your game with PGA professional Mark Blakemore, author of this website, in person at two locations in the east bay area of San Francisco. * If you have a wedge of a type or purpose that you cannot identify, or if you'd like to find out how many degrees of loft it has, any reputable local golf professional or club repair person should be able To learn about and develop your short game skills see my book " The Short Game." Developing solid and reliable short game technique is arguably the most important aspect of improving asĪ golfer. But knowing how to use it is even greater. If you know of another wedge by a major manufacturer that seems like it should be on the list contact me with the name,Ībbreviation, loft and/or description and I will include it in the list. ![]() The above list is certainly not comprehensive but should cover the majority of wedges. Here below are some other wedge names which could mean just about anything, but that probably signify something between a Pitching Wedge and a Lob Wedge. So in an attempt to cover the majority of common wedge types and names I offer the following table.ĥ2-54, as in dual-purpose, like gap wedgeĥ0-60, stands for "muscle" as in muscle-backĥ5-56, wide variation in shapes and sizes Wedges are also sometimes designed (by head size, weight, sole and edge shape, etc.) to be effective in multiple ways. ![]() Only generalizations shot situations and player personal preferences vary even more widely than does the array of available wedges. Conversely, a wedge with a fairly thin blade and/or very little bounce works well from the fairway but not from thick fluffy sand or thick rough. Usually does not work well from the fairway, off of hardpan, or in firmly packed sand. For example, a sand wedge with a large sole and/or a large bounce angle typically works well in thick, soft, deep sand and long grass, but Those two arrangements are common, but personal preferences may vary widely.ĭepending on the size and shape of the wedge's head it performs certain types of shots well, or not so well. Typically consist of a pitching wedge, a gap wedge, a sand wedge and a lob wedge. A three wedge system would typically consist of a pitching wedge, a sand wedge and a lob wedge. Two common configurations in golfers' bags are a three wedge system (3-wedge system) and a four wedge system (4-wedge system). But specifications can vary between manufacturers, so those loft angles are not always exactly the same. ![]() The gap wedge is usually somewhere around 52 degrees and named appropriately, as it fills the "gap" (48 - 56) between Typical lofts these days are 48 degrees for a pitching wedge, 56 degrees for a sand wedge, and 60 degrees for a lob wedge. ![]() Purpose of this discussion, are mainly in the head (loft, sole size and shape, flange size and shape, bounce angle, camber), though the other club specifications (lie angle, club length, shaft flex, grip size, etc.) can also vary, of course. Some wedges are better for playing certain kinds of shots than others. The reason for this variety is that they perform differently, and some of it is certainly also just marketing. So I figured anĪrticle on the topic would be better than just answering the question about one particular wedge. I received a question through the Ask the Pro section about a specific type of wedge, what its name meant and what it was for, which seemed to open the whole can of worms regarding the wide variety of wedges, their names and purposes. ![]()
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