These days, there is a wide range of golf wedges available. They all have different names, functions, and they perform in their own unique way. Their purposes is a lot different than drivers or wood clubs. They are designed for one of the most important parts of the game: the approach to the green.
What the typical golfer has to understand is that they may be employed in a variety of ways if they have a creative mind. These clubs can get you that birdie or scrambling par you need to keep your momentum going.
Wedges have a high degree of loft
Wedges, in general, are intended to launch the ball high into the air from short distances. But this is not all they can do. There are several types of universal wedges on the market, the most common of which is the pitching wedge. The pitching wedge is typically included with a set of golf irons. A pitching wedge has a definite loft of 48 degrees. The sand wedge is 56 degrees, and the lob wedge is usually between 60 and 64 degrees. Other wedges exist as well, such as the gap wedge, which is usually around 52 degrees. It is known as the gap wedge because it bridges the PW-SW gap (48-56 degrees).
Every player might have their preferences. In my case, I do use a sand wedge of 56 degrees and an approach of 50 degrees whereas friends of mine rather use 60 degrees and 52 degrees wedges.
Summary of loft and degrees
- pitching wedge: 48 degrees
- sand wedge: 56 degrees
- log wedge: 60 and 64 degrees
- gap wedge: 52 degrees
Wedges for high or low shots?
Wedges are more versatile than you can think. Place the golf ball on the right foot and you will shoot lower and the ball will reach more distance.
If you place the ball between the foot, you will shoot higher (a lot higher) but the ball will have more tendency to do less distance, even after the bounces. It is quite handy when need to place the ball on the green, having to avoid a bunker on the other side of the green for example. A classic usage of wedges is to make the ball “fly high” to avoid sand bunkers, water, or even trees.
Wedges usage and benefits
Rivalry has emerged as a result of the proliferation of golf club makers. Not all of these firms create golf clubs in the same way. They are all intended to perform in different ways. A golf club sand wedges with a large sole and/or a large bounce angle work well in thick, soft, deep sand and long grass, but not from the fairway, off hardpan, or in densely packed sand. A club with a reasonably thin blade and/or minimal bounce, on the other hand, works well from the fairway but not from heavy sand or deep rough. To summarize, wedges are built in many ways to be beneficial in a number of scenarios. The head size, weight, sole and edge shape, and so on might vary from club to club.
When it comes to wedges, there are two universal setups. The two wedge systems are the three wedge system and the four wedge system. The 3 wedge system is the most popular among expert players.
With any type of clubs, the player has to evaluate risks and benefits but this is especially the case with wedges as it gives you multiple possibilities to hit the ball differently. Said simply, woods only gives you distance, putter only helps you on the green, irons allow you to play mid-distance but wedges will help you on multiple parts of the game.
You should always find what works best for your game. Maybe you’re a long-hitter who is always in-between golf clubs. We have a special article to know when to use each golf club. The type of wedges that suit your game will alter as you gain experience. However, with this setup, you may discover the confidence you need to cross a big number of short distances from the green.