what is a wedge golf course

by Dr. Maude Greenfelder DDS 9 min read

An A Wedge is a golf club that is used for short-distance wedge shots. It is designed with a loft angle of between 46 and 54 degrees giving it a loft range in between a sand wedge and a loft wedge. A Wedges are also called approach or attack wedges.

Full Answer

Is a wedge the longest golf club?

The V12 is a genuine go-to club for golf’s longest, most frightening shots. Featured in Golf Digest and MyGolfSpy, the C3i is the ultimate sand wedge. It looks like a classic, conventional wedge at address, and feels and sounds like one on contact, but it is packed with design features that make it easy to pop the ball high and close to the pin.

What golf clubs are illegal?

  • Very long distance non conforming golf balls
  • Lots of roll
  • Lower spinning golf ball
  • The very highly reactive internal core

What does the an on my golf club mean?

What Do the Numbers on Golf Clubs Mean?

  • Numbers. The numbers stamped or marked on the heads of golf clubs relate to the club's loft. ...
  • Location. In most cases, the number displayed on a fairway wood or iron is always in the same place. ...
  • Club Covers. Most golfers use clubhead covers to protect their driver and fairway woods from damage sustained in their golf bag.
  • Exceptions. ...

How to select a golf wedge?

It’s a combination of:

  • Good, new-ish grooves. Old, worn down grooves that have been hit a million times won’t spin the ball like newer, deeper grooves will.
  • A good golf ball. Sorry, but your $10/dozen Noodle golf balls won’t spin much, even if you hit them perfectly. ...
  • A solid strike. Most golfers try to help the golf ball in the air with a wedge. ...
  • Good, fast greens. ...

What does a wedge club do in golf?

Wedges are the clubs used for the shorter and more accurate shots in golf. Approach shots, chip shots, pitch shots, bunker shots, lob shots to mention just a few.

What is the difference between a pitch and a wedge?

The pitching wedge is designed to hit the ball further than an approach wedge and with a little less spin, it is one club stronger than an approach wedge. It is slightly longer in length with less loft, around four degrees if you are set-up properly.

What is the difference between irons and wedges?

Wedges are a subclass of irons with higher loft than numbered irons, used for a variety of specialized "utility" shots that require short distance (typically less than 130 yards), high launch angle, or high backspin to reduce roll distance.

Why is it called an A wedge?

The “a” in A wedge most commonly stands for “approach”, and less commonly for “attack”, depending on the person you ask. The A wedge is there to fill in the empty space between the sand wedge of 56° and the pitching wedge of about 48°.

What does G mean on a golf club?

A “GW” is an important club known as the gap wedge. As the name implies, it fills in the large distance gap found between your pitching wedge (PW) and sand wedge (SW), which occurs because of the large difference in the lofts of those two clubs.

What are wedges examples?

Some examples of wedges that are used for separating might be a shovel, a knife, an axe, a pick axe, a saw, a needle, scissors, or an ice pick. But wedges can also hold things together as in the case of a staple, push pins, tack, nail, doorstop, or a shim.

How do you use a golf wedge?

4:009:36So ball in the middle of my stance. A little bit weight forwards. And i just pop it. Out. Off we goMoreSo ball in the middle of my stance. A little bit weight forwards. And i just pop it. Out. Off we go there it goes running and that is my 54. With a nice little chip as we've gone through.

Do you swing a wedge like an iron?

7:038:28So i just hit this wedge swing six iron 175 carry 189 total with the exact. Same feeling i had aMoreSo i just hit this wedge swing six iron 175 carry 189 total with the exact. Same feeling i had a second ago when i was hitting the wedges. Because you're going to practice this wedge swing method.

Should my driver swing be the same as my iron swing?

The main difference in a driver swing vs an iron swing is the way you attack the golf ball. Iron swings must drive down into the ball so that the loft of the club does the work to get the ball off the ground.

How far does an A wedge go?

The average distance was 88 yards for a full swing, which was 15 yards shorter (on average) compared to the gap wedge. Essentially, what this means is that most people will grab a sand wedge when they're 85-90 yards out....How Far Does The Average Person Hit A Sand Wedge?GolferSW DistanceAverage Distance88 Yards10 more rows

What number club is a wedge?

Common wedge lofts are 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 degrees. More often than not, golfers go with three wedges in 4-degree gaps: 52, 56 and 60 degrees is a popular setup, as is 50, 54 and 58.

What golf club has a 52 degree loft?

gap wedgeA 52-degree wedge is called a gap wedge. While almost all golfers are familiar with the pitching wedge and the sand wedge, not many golfers know much about the gap wedge. As its name implies, the gap wedge is meant to “fill in the gap” between the sand wedge and the pitching wedge.

What is a wedge in golf?

Wedges are the highest-lofted clubs in a set of golf clubs, designed for short approach shots (for most golfers, 120 yards and in), strokes played out of sand, chip shots and pitch shots, and generally any shot for which the golfer wants the ball to ascend and descend sharply.

Why do golfers use wedges?

Because wedge shots have such a high trajectory, they tend to roll very little once they hit the green. More accomplished players can produce a great deal of backspin with a wedge, causing the ball to back up (or "bite") once it hits the green. Any wedge can also be used for chipping around the green.

What is a gap wedge?

With pitching wedges typically lofted from 42 to 46 degrees, the gap wedge is so-called because it closes the "gap" in loft between the pitching wedge and sand wedge. A typical gap wedge might might be lofted from 48 to 54 degrees. The gap wedge also goes by the names A-wedge, attack wedge and approach wedge.

What is the loft of a lob wedge?

A typical lob wedge might have a loft of 60 degrees to 64 degrees. As its name implies, a lob wedge allows a player to "lob" the ball high into the air, from where it will drop steeply down onto the green, with little or no roll. With pitching wedges typically lofted from 42 to 46 degrees, the gap wedge is so-called because it closes ...

What is a 60 degree wedge?

Wedges feature the shortest shafts and highest lofts of any golf clubs. In fact, wedges are often identified by their loft rather than their name. A lob wedge might instead be called a "60-degree wedge," for example. Sand wedges were invented (generally credited to Gene Sarazen) to make shots out of sand bunkers easier.

What is the difference between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge?

Pitching wedge: The lowest-lofted of the wedges (the one that hits the ball the farthest), pitching wedges (abbreviated PW) are usually included in a set of irons. The PW is considered one of the basic clubs every golfer carries. Sand wedge: Designed specifically to make hitting shots out of bunkers easier. Abbreviated SW.

Why are gap wedges called wedges?

Today, the other two wedges that are common are: Gap wedge: So-named because it falls in-between the pitching wedge and sand wedge in loft. The gap wedge has more loft than a PW, less loft than a SW.

What is bounce in wedge design?

Alternatively, Bounce is the class name for the physical properties of a wedge sole design: rocker, leading edge, sole width, camber of a wedge and the bounce angle. The concept of bounce can be a whole lot to take in at first so if you are a beginner there is no need to worry much about understanding it.

What is the best loft for a lob wedge?

Lob Wedges have the highest loft of all the wedges type and falls between 60 and 65 degrees. It is most suitable for areas around the green and sand bunkers that call for precise shots.

What is the average loft of a gap wedge?

The average loft of the gap wedge is usually between about 48 and 54 degrees. In other words, its loft falls in-between the pitching wedge and sand wedge. A player would normally use a gap wedge fuller shots and to cover distances between 90 to 110 yards during play. Since gap wedges don’t come in a standard club set, ...

What is a gap wedge?

The Gap Wedge, also known as A-wedge, Approach wedge, Attack wedge or Utility wedge comes after the pitching wedge with a loft much higher than the former. Although it could pass as a perfect substitute for the pitching wedge, it is best used for making shots that might be too short for a pitching wedge but too long for a sand wedge.

What are the different types of wedges?

Due to their special uses and configuration, wedges are divided into four types namely, Pitching Wedge, Gap Wedge, Sand Wedge and Lob Wedge. As a result, wedges have different weight, degrees of loft and shaft length.

Why do golfers use sand wedges?

Before the advent of lob wedges, sand wedges have been used for making chip shots and strategic bunker shots because it was the highest lofted wedge available at that time . Golfers sometimes use it in the stead of lob wedges if none is available.

What is a pitching wedge?

Pitching Wedge (PW) The Pitching Wedge is the most common wedge type and is usually included in standard club set. Of all the wedge types, it has the lowest degree of loft. Usually, the loft of the wedge type is between 44 and 48 degrees. In relation to low trajectory, the pitching wedge hits the ball the farthest when a chip shot swing is made ...

What is a wedge in golf?

In the sport of golf, a wedge is a subset of the iron family of golf clubs designed for special use situations. As a class, wedges have the highest lofts, the shortest shafts, and the heaviest clubheads of the irons. These features generally aid the player in making accurate short-distance "lob" shots, to get the ball onto the green or out ...

What is a pitching wedge?

Pitching wedge. A pitching wedge is the lowest-lofted of the named wedges, used to hit a variety of short-range shots. The modern pitching wedge has a loft of around 48° (exact lofts vary by clubmaker and player preference) and little or no "bounce" (angle of the sole to the ground).

What is an ultra lob wedge?

An ultra lob wedge is a specialization of the lob wedge with an extremely high loft, as high as 70°. Synonyms are generally marketing terms and include the "flop wedge" and "final wedge". When included in a club set, it generally has the highest loft of the set. It is used for specialized, extremely high-angle shots such as from the "lip" of a bunker. This wedge is generally made by specialty companies, and some argue that their purpose is redundant, as a regular lob wedge can be "opened" for extra loft in situations calling for such a high launch angle. However, these shots are very tricky to make as they require substantial changes to a player's normal swing mechanics.

What is the bounce of a wedge?

The wedge typically has low to moderate bounce (0–4°) for fairway and other firm lies, but because of its high loft even 2–3° of bounce will counterbalance the downward force of the wedge's striking face, making a club with this configuration useful in sand as well.

How many wedges are needed for a 52-8?

A 52-8 wedge, for example, would have 52 degrees of loft and 8 degrees of bounce, generally placing it in the "gap wedge" class. Most players carry three or four wedges on the course, and sometimes more, usually sacrificing one or two of their long irons and/or higher-lofted fairway woods to meet the 14-club limit.

How much weight does a sand wedge weigh?

The modern sand wedge still uses the ideas of high mass, high loft, and bounce angle, but the modern sand wedge clubhead has much higher mass than earlier designs, up to 40oz (2.5 lb, 1.13 kg), to drive the clubhead through the firmer sand found in many courses.

What is a gap wedge?

Gap wedge. A gap wedge is the next higher-lofted wedge after the pitching wedge, and is usually used in a similar manner. It is a newer wedge and so is one of the least standardized as to its purpose and thus its design, but lofts for gap wedges are centered on 52° and have a moderate amount of bounce.

What type of wedges are used in golf clubs?

The Type of Golf Club Wedges and Their Uses. Included in just about every set of store-bought golf clubs is a pitching wedge. It's the most common type of wedge and one that almost all golfers have in their bag. But the three other types of wedges--gap, lob and sand--give the golfers who use them even more options in their short games.

How far can a golf wedge travel?

The average pitching wedge shot is between 110 yards and 140 yards.

How far can a lob wedge go?

Since they have between 60 degrees and 65 degrees of loft, the maximum distance for a lob wedge is about 70 yards.

How many yards is a wedge shot?

The average pitching wedge shot is between 110 yards and 140 yards. As a result, it is a good club for an approach shot from the fairway or rough.

What is the best wedge for hitting out of the sand?

Sand Wedge. Given their name, many golfers automatically think of sand traps and bunkers when they think of sand wedges. While these wedges, which have between 54 degrees and 58 degrees of loft, are good for hitting out of the sand, they can be used anywhere.

What is the short game of golf?

The short game in golf is all about finesse and feel. Thus, it's important that the wedge you're using is comfortable and easy to use. Before purchasing a wedge, you should at least hold it in your hand and take a few practice swings. Even better, hit a few balls with it.

Is it better to hit a wedge or a ball?

Even better, hit a few balls with it. Some wedges are lighter or heavier, so it's important to know what works best for you. Additionally, wedges have various degrees of flex, which can affect how you hit the ball. It's important to take your time and try several wedges before deciding on one.

Why is wedge bounce important?

Ensuring that you have the proper wedge bounce and grind option allows you to control your shots better to get better contact and spin on shots.

What is a mid bounce wedge?

Mid Bounce (7-10°) Mid or medium bounce wedges range between 7° and 10° in the degree. The average golfer who plays different courses throughout the year will likely rely more on these types of wedges because they won’t know the layout of a course, what the turf feels like, or how the sand is in the bunkers.

Why do wedges bounce higher when you close the face?

The more you open up the club face, the higher the wedge bounce will be because the leading edge will be higher off the ground. When you close the face, you will lessen the bounce. Golfers will play with the angles of their club face to spin the ball or get a higher loft on it. Loft, grind and bounce work hand in hand to best suit your short game.

How to get better at golf?

Using your wedges for your approach shots to their fullest capabilities is how you’re going to get better at golf. One way to get the most out of your wedges is to understand how the wedge bounce in your clubs affects your game. Making sure you have the correct bounce on your wedges is just as important as the loft angle.

What is a low bounce golf club?

Low Bounce (4-6°) Low bounce clubs are usually between 4° and 6° and typically work best on courses with a tougher turf and harder and coarser sand in the bunkers. These are harder clubs to hit, but they ultimately can reward you if you strike them well. They are perfect for lob and flop shots around the green.

Is grind better for swing?

It’s smart to get grinds that work better for your swing, as certain grinds are better for bounce, and others are better for sweeping types of shots that will lift the ball higher. The existence of grind in your clubs also gives you a better look at your shots when you’re staring downward while lining up your approach.

Can you strike a golf ball with a wedge bounce?

You can still strike the ball properly with wedge bounce even if you make mistakes frequently. Professional golfers will rely not only on the bounce angle that the club comes with but also on their stance, how they address a ball, and how they hold the club to affect the shot. The more you open up the club face, ...

How Far Do Wedges Go?

Different wedges go up to different distances, depending on the loft and the player’s abilities.

Golf Wedge Distance Chart

The golf wedge distance for each wedge is not a single figure. It fluctuates across genders and various skill levels.

48 Degree Wedge Distance

Although a 48-degree wedge is ideal for covering long distances, it can hit both long and short distances.

50 Degree Wedge Distance

A 50-degree wedge is also known as a gap wedge. It is a relatively new entry to the wedge series and It essentially bridges the gap between pitching and a sand wedge, which is how it got the name gap wedge.

52 Degree Wedge Distance

52-degree wedges, like the Cleveland Golf CBX 2 Wedg e, are ideal for hitting the golf ball higher in the air at a relatively shorter distance.

54 Degree Wedge Distance

The average 54-degree wedge distance falls between 80 to 110 yards. The golfer’s capabilities and gender influence the distance.

56 Degree Wedge Distance

56 degrees wedges, such as the Wilson Staff Model Golf Wedge, are quite handy. They cover a vast distance and are suited for short-game play.

What is a low bounce wedge?

Low bounce wedges are designed for clean ball contact, giving you the precision you need in your short game. For instance, low bounce lob wedges can be used to hit high flop shots off tight lies near the green.

Why use mid bounce wedges?

Players tend to choose mid bounce wedges to create shots around the green, as they help achieve exact distance and trajectory control. This wedge bounce type is the most versatile for more players, and can apply to a wide range of course conditions.

Why is bounce important in golf?

In fact, Bob Vokey says that “Bounce is your friend,” because it provides forgiveness on all wedge shots, allowing you to still strike ...

What is the best bounce for a sand wedge?

The best bounce for your sand wedge depends on your swing type and course conditions. If you have a steep angle of attack resulting in deep divots, a higher bounce is recommended. If you are a sweeper resulting in shallow or no divot, low bounce is recommended.

Is there a one size fits all wedge bounce?

There is not a one-size- fits-all wedge bounce. Every player is different and course conditions change. The only way to get the best performance out of your wedge set is to be properly fit for your swing type. We design the best product possible, and take it to the tour.

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Overview

History

The class of wedges grew out of the need for a better club for playing soft lies and short shots. Prior to the 1930s, the best club for short "approach" shots was the "niblick", roughly equivalent to today's 9-iron or pitching wedge in loft; however the design of this club, with a flat, angled face and virtually no "sole", made it difficult to use in sand and other soft lies as it was prone to dig into soft turf. The club most often used for bunker shots was called the "jigger"; it was used similarly to to…

Pitching wedge

A pitching wedge is the lowest-lofted of the named wedges, used to hit a variety of short-range shots. The modern pitching wedge has a loft of around 48° (exact lofts vary by clubmaker and player preference) and little or no "bounce" (angle of the sole to the ground).
The pitching wedge is descended from the "niblick", an obsolete blade-style club with a high loft. As the older naming system gave way to numbered sets in the mid- to late 1930s, the standardiz…

Gap wedge

A gap wedge is the next higher-lofted wedge after the pitching wedge, and is usually used in a similar manner. It is a newer wedge and so is one of the least standardized as to its purpose and thus its design, but lofts for gap wedges are centered on 52° and have a moderate amount of bounce.
The concept of the gap wedge originated when the loft angles of irons were reduced as a result …

Sand wedge

A sand wedge is a type of golf club with a specialized design intended to help the player play the ball from soft lies such as sand bunkers. It has a loft of about 56°, and about 10° of "bounce".
Gene Sarazen won the 1932 British and US Open tournaments with a new club he had invented that was specialized for sand play. He is hailed as the inventor of the modern sand wedge, which he developed by taking a niblick (9-iron), soldering additional metal underneath the leading edge …

Lob wedge

The lob wedge is a club with a loft of around 60°, typically the highest in a player's bag. It is used for specialized shots requiring either extreme launch angle, short carry distance and/or no rolling distance after impact.
Dave Pelz, a former NASA physicist and golf short-game coach, envisioned the lob wedge in the 1980s as an answer to modern greens, which are designed to be more difficult to approach to a…

See also

• Golf glossary