Most beginner golfers don’t know the proper use of a wedge, or they even don’t know what is a wedge used for in golf? Unfortunately, it’s not always evident to a beginner or even an experienced golfer what each distinct kind of wedge is used for, which may be irritating.
Just as the proper use of wedges can bring you greater success in golf, its misuse can be even more frustrating. So, it is very important to know the proper use of a wedge in golf.
What is a Wedge?
Wedge is a generally high lofted golf club that is designed to help golfers hit the ball higher while also providing them with the power to turn the ball after it settles on the ground.
Although the particular loft, bounce, and other characteristics of any individual club might vary based on the club manufacturer, wedges are generally classified into four categories, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Certain wedges are lighter in weight than others, so it’s crucial to know which one is right for your body type. Aside from that, wedges have different degrees of flexibility, which might impact how you strike the ball. It’s necessary to identify the factors and experiment with a variety of wedges before settling on one.
What is a wedge used for in golf?
There are basically 4 types of wedges available for golfers; Pitching Wedge, Sand Wedge, Gap Wedge, and Lob Wedge. Their usage varies depending on the type of wedge. That is, depending on where the wedge will be used, what kind of wedge you use or what kind of wedge you have. The following is a discussion of what is the usage of different types of the wedge:
Pitching Wedge
Pitching wedge is often considered as it is numbered irons in terms of distance and trajectory. Due to its position on the border between the wedge and numbered iron, this wedge has a wide range of applications that may be classified as either. The pitching wedge is a golf club that may be used in various situations. This kind of golf wedge is the most often utilized of all the golf clubs.
A pitching wedge can be utilized for making approach shots from the fairway or rough, as well as when making short pitch shots near the green with a greater trajectory and higher spin. They are excellent for adding spin and height to the shots while still providing you with the flexibility to maintain the short game neat and precise.
Sand Wedge
The next one is Sand Wedge, a versatile golf club to use. It features an open-faced wedge that is mostly used to even get out of sand bunkers on the golf course. This wedge has a higher loft than the pitching wedges, ranging from 54 to 58 degrees. Its broadest sole gives it the most bounce and allows the head of the club to slide across the sand without digging in.
One of its principal tasks, as the name implies, is to strike from the sand inside bunkers. Sand wedges may be utilized for ordinary wedge shots; but, because of their higher loft, they will go a lesser distance. The club’s strong bottom is ideal for cutting through thick tough around the greens, while the loft helps keep the ball closer near the hole.
When the ball is lying on hard-packed soil or bare ground, never hit it with the sand wedge. The majority of golfers think that having a sand wedge in your golf bag is vital. Other wedges might be considered as the experience or talents improve. To begin, at the very least, the pitching wedges, as well as a sand wedge, are required.
Gap Wedge
Gap wedges have a loft between pitching and a sand wedge, approximately 50 and 54 degrees. The “bounce angle” of a gap wedge ranges from 0° to 12° or more depending on the loft. The relationship between real loft and bounce varies depending on the player’s stance and clubface openness.
Golfers typically hit pitching wedges at a distance of 110 yards as well as sand wedges at a distance of 90 yards. Golfers who wish to strike the ball 100 yards must take either stroke pitching or a sand wedge. Alternatively, players might utilize this wedge, which was created to fill the gap among pitching & sand wedges.
Golfers should choose a gap wedge with a loft that is halfway among the pitching or sand wedges when making their selection. Low-loft gap wedges are efficient when it is used from the fairway and when your ball is on a firm surface. High-loft gap wedges are extremely beneficial in dense rough, on a softer fairway, or from a sand trap.
Lob Wedge
Another kind of wedge is the lob wedge, and it is also known as an L-Wedge or lofted wedge. Lob wedges are available in a variety of lofts ranging from 60 to 64 degrees in elevation. The increased loft enables for high-landing gentle shots with a lot of length in the air and less on the ground. Lob wedges are effective in a number of circumstances, including long drives that need full swings and also pitching as well as chipping near the green.
When a golfer is hitting over a barrier, including a bunker, and that there are 30-50 yards among them as well as a tight pin, a lob wedge might come in handy. When striking more longer distances, you should cock the wrist more, as well as when striking lesser distances; you should cock the wrist less.
This wedge is also excellent for chipping around the green, particularly when chipping over an obstruction to a tight pin. You may accomplish a gentle landing mostly on green and then have the ball bounce to the holes with the appropriate chipping technique. You can hit fantastic high and delicate shots with the lob wedge by using minimum wrist motion and a high oscillation on the backstroke as well as follow-through.
What are the best golf wedges?
According to my golf playing experience and present market demand, I would recommend the following golf wedges to enjoy your gaming experience by selection of perfect matched wedges.
- Impressive design
- High-quality anti-chunk sole
- Higher level of Moment of Inertia
- Perfect wedge for all types of golfers
- Legal for all types of Golf Tournament
If interested, you may read detailed Reviews of Square Strike wedge.
2. LAZRUS Premium Forged Wedge
- Stunning design
- Comfortable and firm rubberized grip
- Micro-milled face
- Offers more control and spin
- Affordable price range
If interested, you may read detailed Review of LAZRUS Premium Forged Wedge.
3. Cleveland Smart Sole 3 Wedge
- Optimized club specifications
- Latest Feel Balancing technology
- Unique three-tiered sole
- Ideal wedge for simplifying short game
- Offers maximum forgiveness
You may read comprehensive Review of Cleveland Smart Sole 3 Wedge to expedite your buying decision.
4. TaylorMade Milled Grind 2 Wedge
- Unique raw-face design
- Laser etched pattern
- Thick & Thin head design
- Milled Grind and TPU inserted
- Durable build quality
Get more information about the TaylorMade Milled Grind 2 Wedge by clicking here.
5. Pinemeadow Excel EGI Hybrid Golf Club
- Unique design of the clubhead shape
- High-quality Pinemeadow Graphite shaft
- Excellent balance of weight on the clubhead
- Durable build quality
- Easy to play with
If interested, you can read detailed Review of Pinemeadow Excel EGI Hybrid Golf Club.
FAQ About What Is A Wedge Used For In Golf
Do pros use 3 or 4 wedges?
Professionals have several wedges in their backpacks, each with a varied loft as well as bounce. Depending on the playing style, some elite players use three wedges while others use four. Furthermore, they could have wedge pairs that are not the same brand as the playing irons.
What degree wedge is best for chipping?
The majority of individuals feel that a loft of roughly 56 degrees is ideal for chipping. This loft wedge appears to offer the proper amount of loft, spin, plus mobility to help you to achieve shots all around green quickly.
How far do wedges go?
For a player with an ordinary swing speed, a 56-degree sand wedge ought to go roughly 80 yards. For a sand wedge approach, players with modest swing speeds should aim for 50-60 yards. It is uncommon for a golfer to approach a green with a sand wedge stroke.
What does bounce mean on wedges?
The angle formed by the forefront and the bottom part of the sole is known as wedge bounce. This is the part of the golf club that makes contact with the ball and goes through the ground. The more the leading edge would be off the surface at address, the larger the wedge bounce degree.
What are scoring wedges?
All shots within 30 to 100 yards are considered scoring wedges. A successful outcome is one that is 3-10 feet from the flagstick. So, why are all these shoots regarded as among the most challenging? Maybe it’s because most golfers are uneasy with a swing that does not need full force.
What are the best wedges for beginners or high handicappers?
You may go through my post wherein I have discussed in detail about 10 best rated golf wedges for high handicappers and beginners.
Final Thought
Hopefully, now you got the proper answer of what a wedge is used for in golf.
After reading this article, maybe you can be able to define which type of wedge is best for you or which wedge you should go for. Once you’ve mastered the technique of dialing in the wedges, you’ll reach closer to playing at the highest level of golf.