Understanding Golf Wedges

The Lob Wedge, Sand Wedge, Pitching Wedge And More...

Wedges are the specialty clubs [irons actually] of the golf course. Quite often these clubs are sold individually for golfers wanting various to suit their particular game. But no matter what type of wedge you use, you want to get as much control as possible. When you use a wedge you are usually closer to the hole and you want to set up your approach shot or putts for the better as much as possible.

The Pitching Wedge (PW) is usually about 45-48 degrees in loft. These can be used to get a ball out of the trees or a longer chip shot to the green

Sand Wedge (SW)  is typically 56 degrees in loft and used for sand play as the name suggests. This club was actually invented by the great Gene Sarazen.

The Lob Wedge (LW), is usually around a 60 degree loft and is used as the name implies - to "lob" the ball in the air with very little roll, if any. With the higher loft they can be used closer to the green to get a shot to sit where you want it once you get out of trouble in the rough.

The Gap Wedge is usually lofted anywhere from 50-54 degrees. You can see it fits in between the "gap" of the Pitching wedge and the Sand Wedge.

The High-Lob Wedge can be 60 to 68 degrees of loft and you can stop the ball "on a dime" as they say with no bounce.

Note that the professional golfer can also use these clubs to put a lot of "back spin" on the golf ball and actually pull the ball back toward the hole if necessary. Imagine how beneficial this can be if you know the club will loft the ball beyond the hole. With backspin you can bring it back for a closer putt. Watch for this skill the next time you watch a PGA Tour event.

Note that each of these wedges will travel a certain distance and achieve a specific bounce with the same basic swing. All you have to do is practice enough with each type and remember how each reacts for you. Then, when you encounter a certain shot needed at any point in your game you will know which to use. Of course, the more you know about your own game, the more you will know which of these clubs to carry in your bag for your specific strengths and weaknesses. Since all golfers play up to 70% of their shots within 120 yards from the hole you sure want to know which ones you need.