Types of Golf Wedges

There are four types of golf wedges for players to choose from. Most players usually have three of the four in their bag. Golf wedges consist of the pitching, gap, sand, and lob wedges, all of which are normally separated by two to four degrees of loft. Golf wedges are also normally sold separately and independent of each other.

Pitching Wedge

 Pitching wedges are usually a part of an iron set, but also can be sold independently. A pitching wedge normally features around 46 degrees of loft and will be the wedge with the most distance, while being the most common and popular of the golf wedges.

Gap Wedge

Gap wedges are much more lofted than the pitching wedge. The club is relatively new and usually sold separately to standard sets of golf clubs, but it can occasionally be sold within a set of irons. It gets its name due to being able to be the middling club to close the gap between the pitching and sand or lob wedge. It is a good choice for beginner golfers and is a somewhat better selection than sand wedge due to greater movement which makes catching the ball easier. Many players will now use this golf wedge in favor of sand wedges.

Sand Wedge

The sand wedge has the widest sole of all wedges providing the widest bounce in all angles. It is now widely considered a common-purpose golf club and one of the best wedges for a novice but an average player. This club used to be the club of choice for a shot inside of the bunker, hence being named after the surface. The club now is more preferred for the rest of wedge plays.

Lob Wedge

These golf wedges are the highest lofted club in the bag and are now one of the most popular wedges in golf. With a loft anywhere between 58 and 62 degrees of loft, the lob wedge gives players a lot versatility, whether it be around the greens, in the fairway, or in the sand. The high lidt also allows for the ball to get into the air quickly, along with a higher ball flight.

Bounce

Bounce is the name of the element involved in the design a sole, or clubhead, as its the broader surface and the wedge's leading edge. The bounce angle refers to the angle from the trailling edge to the point where the sole reaches its ground. The bounce prevents a wedge from dragging itself into turf or sand and is meant stop it swaying the weight of that club across the ball. This feature aids players in many facets of the short game. The bounce is added specifically the rebound angle for stopping wedges from digging into the ground at impact so you ''climb' underneath the ball at impact.

Low bounce wedges

Wedges with a bounce angle of 4 to 6 degrees should be described as low-bounce. Wedges are good for the players that have a low sweeping swing type, or take a firmer turf situation (i.e. links courses) and strong dirt.

High bounce wedges

High bounce angles will range from 10 to 12 degrees, and will help players that  are playing in softer course condiditons or need help getting the ball up into the air on their wedge plays.

What golf wedges do I need?

Ultimately, the different type of wedges you carry boils down to personal preference. It is important to make sure you have small gaps between the different lofts you decide to choose between. Finding three wedges that fit your needs on the course is what every golfer needs to discover. Be sure to take into account the grooves and clubhead are  United States golf association approved and that the clubhead doesn't make you visually impaired open.

Questions?

If you need any help in your search of a new wedge, or any equipment, our golf experts are available to help Monday-Friday, 833.238.8800.