The Clubs

Understanding your wedge golf clubs

Golf wedges are specialized clubs designed for short-distance shots around the green and for specific situations such as bunker play. Golfers often carry a selection of wedges in their bag to provide options for various situations encountered on the course. Each with its own loft, bounce angle, and specialty for different types of shots.

Here are the various types of golf wedges commonly used by golfers:

Pitching Wedge (PW): The pitching wedge is typically included as part of an iron set and has a loft ranging from 44 to 48 degrees. It is primarily used for approach shots from distances where a full swing is required, usually around 100 to 130 yards.

Gap Wedge (GW) or Approach Wedge (AW): The gap wedge fills the gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. It typically has a loft ranging from 50 to 54 degrees. The gap wedge is used for approach shots from mid-range distances, typically ranging from 80 to 100 yards.

Sand Wedge (SW): The sand wedge is designed for shots out of bunkers and other hazards around the green. It has a higher loft than the gap wedge, typically ranging from 54 to 58 degrees. The sand wedge is also useful for approach shots from close range and for pitch and chip shots around the green.

Lob Wedge (LW): The lob wedge has the highest loft of any wedge, typically ranging from 58 to 64 degrees. It is used for short approach shots requiring a high trajectory and for shots around the green that need to stop quickly. Lob wedges are particularly useful for shots over obstacles and for delicate shots around the green, such as flop shots.

High-Lob Wedge (HLW): Some golfers may carry a high-lob wedge, which has an even higher loft than a standard lob wedge. High-lob wedges typically have lofts of 64 degrees or higher and are designed for extreme situations where a very high trajectory and soft landing are required.

Utility Wedge (UW): The utility wedge, also known as an all-purpose wedge or gap wedge, is a versatile club designed to provide additional options for approach shots from various distances. It typically has a loft between that of a pitching wedge and a sand wedge, ranging from 48 to 54 degrees.