Golf Wedge Types

Your wedges are perhaps the most important clubs in your golf bag. These are the clubs that are not only going to get you onto the green, but get you close to the pin. Wedges are normally used for approach shots inside 110 yards or so. This area around the green is where the majority (up to 70% including putting) of your golf shots are made. To reduce the number of shots you make in this area, and the number of putts you'll have to make once on the green, you need to have the proper wedges in your bag.

There are 4 types of wedges that many golfers are now carrying in their golf bags. These are the pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge. Each wedge is designed with a different loft and bounce angle for a certain function and yardage, and using the proper wedge will help you target the pin and cut down the number of strokes you make on and around the green. If you choose to carry 4 wedges, you will probably need to leave another club out of your bag to stay within the 14 club rule, but it might be wise to leave that hard to hit, and seldom used, 3 iron at home and take the extra wedge that will help lower your score instead.

Pitching Wedge

The pitching wedge is the most common wedge as it is included in most iron sets. Pitching wedge lofts usually range from about 45 to 49 degrees and have a slight bounce angle to help the leading edge of the clubface get under the ball cleany. Pitching wedges are typically used for longer approach shots, normally around 110 - 120 yards out.

Gap Wedge

The gap wedge is a relatively new wedge that has been designed to bridge the "gap" between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. Gap wedges are perfect for those shots of around 100 yards or so that seem to far for your sand wedge, and too close for a full pitching wedge. Gap wedge loft angles usually range from around 49 to 54 degrees and have a higher bounce angle than the pitching wedge.

Sand Wedge

The sand wedge is specially designed for getting your ball out of the sand. It has a high loft, normally 54 to 57 degrees, and a very high bounce angle to help the club head get through the sand without digging down too far. Sand wedges can also be used for approach shots in the 90 yard range.

Lob Wedge

The lob wedge is the highest lofted wedge of the bunch, typically having a loft angle of around 60 degrees. This is your scoring wedge. Its high loft angle and minimal bounce angle make it the perfect club for attacking the pin from up to 80 yards and in. These approach shots will have a high trajectory and a nice soft landing, giving you the ability to target the pin without having the ball run off the green.

Bounce Angle

Bounce angle is the angle between the sole, or bottom most part of the club, and the leading edge of the clubface. The bounce angle is an important factor in determining how far the clubhead will dig into the ground, and will vary depending upon the type of wedge and what the wedge is designed for.

Which wedge is best for me?

Once you understand the logic behind selecting the right golf wedges, you need to find which manufacturer offers the best model to suit your needs. Visit our Golf Club Fitting Guide to learn more about how custom club fitting can help you find the right wedges for your golf game.