A golf wedge is a type of club used for short-distance shots, typically within 100 yards of the green. Wedges are designed to generate high levels of spin and control, making them ideal for shots that require precise accuracy and stopping power.
There are several different types of wedges, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. The most common wedges are the pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge.
The pitching wedge, which is typically the highest-lofted wedge in a golfer’s bag, is used for shots around the green, as well as for full swings from the fairway.
The gap wedge is used for shots that fall between the pitching wedge and sand wedge, usually around 110-130 yards.
The sand wedge is designed for shots out of bunkers and has a wide, heavy sole to help the club glide through sand.
The lob wedge has the highest loft of all wedges, typically between 60-64 degrees, and is used for high, soft shots around the green.
In general, wedges are used for a variety of short-distance shots such as pitching, chipping, and sand shots. They are particularly useful for getting the ball out of difficult lies, such as bunkers and thick rough. They are also used to hit high, soft shots that land gently on the green and stop quickly.
In terms of distance, the pitching wedge typically has a distance range of around 90-110 yards, while the gap wedge is usually around 110-130 yards. Sand wedges and lob wedges are used for shorter distances, usually around 30-40 yards and 40-60 yards respectively. It’s important to note that actual distance will vary based on a variety of factors, including a golfer’s swing speed and technique.
More On The Degree
The degree of a golf wedge refers to the angle of the clubface, and it plays a significant role in determining the trajectory and distance of a shot. Wedges are available in a range of lofts, from the highest-lofted lob wedge to the lowest-lofted pitching wedge.
The most common wedges and their corresponding degrees are:
- Pitching wedge (46-48 degrees)
- Gap wedge (50-52 degrees)
- Sand wedge (54-56 degrees)
- Lob wedge (58-60 degrees)
A higher lofted wedge will produce a higher trajectory and less distance, while a lower lofted wedge will produce a lower trajectory and more distance.
A pitching wedge with a 48-degree loft, for example, will produce a lower trajectory and more distance than a lob wedge with a 60-degree loft. This makes the pitching wedge more suitable for full swings from the fairway, while the lob wedge is better for high, soft shots around the green.
The gap wedge, which falls between the pitching and sand wedges, is typically used for shots that fall between 110-130 yards. It is useful for shots that require a higher trajectory and more spin than a pitching wedge, but less than a sand wedge.
The sand wedge, with its wide, heavy sole, is designed specifically for shots out of bunkers. Its high loft (usually 54-56 degrees) allows for a high trajectory and maximum spin, making it easier to get out of the sand.
In summary, the degree of a golf wedge affects the trajectory and distance of the shot. Higher lofted wedges produce higher trajectories and less distance, while lower lofted wedges produce lower trajectories and more distance. It is important to have a set of wedges with different degrees in your golf bag to be able to adapt to different situations on the course.
Looking for a great set, check out the Stix 52, 56, and 60 combo below.
Wedge Set 52, 56, 60
