The golf wedge is technically part of the iron family, however, due to the specialized nature of their need and characteristic, are treated as a separate category. The most commonly referred wedge combination in a players’ set are the gap wedge, sand wedge and lob wedge, also known as “specialty golf wedges”. A pitching wedge does include the term "wedge" in its name, however in selecting a set combination it is usually grouped with the iron set.   

The most suited combination of gap wedge, sand wedge and lob wedge should be treated separately and require specific analysis of your game by one of our qualified technicians.  

 

Designed for accuracy and specialized shots 

Golf wedge selection is all about accuracy – as a result they feature the shortest shafts and highest lofts (a measurement, in degrees, of the angle at which the face of the club lies relative to a perfectly vertical face) of any golf clubs.  

Most specialty golf wedges are identified by their loft rather than their name. Lofts range from stronger (less) lofted wedges (47 degrees) to higher (more) lofted wedges (up to 64 degrees). A lob wedge might, for example, be referred to as a "60-degree wedge".  

As lofts on irons have decreased over time (e.g. a 5-iron today might be lofted at 26 degrees, whereas 30 years ago a 5-iron would have been lofted at 32 degrees), it has become more important to carry a range of specialty wedges to increase accuracy on shots of shorter distance.  

Sand wedges essential for beginners 

Sand wedges were invented to make shots out of bunkers (a hazard that is a hole or depression that has been filled in with sand) easier. The typical sand wedge might have a loft of around 56 degrees. A sand wedge is essential for beginners and is often included in your initial iron set purchase. 

Gap and lob wedges specialty clubs to suit higher skills 

With pitching wedges typically lofted from 45 to 48 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 be lofted from 50-54 degrees.  

As for the appropriate time to use specialty golf wedges, that will be determined primarily by the distance of your shot. On full shots from the fairway, a typical recreational golfer might hit a sand wedge 65-80 metres for men (40-55 metres for women), and a lob wedge 35-50 metres for men (20-35 metres for women). A gap wedge would fall in between your pitching wedge and sand wedge distance.  

Due to the high loft of these clubs, when properly struck they produce a very high, arching shot. So if you need to get over a hazard, for example, a golf wedge comes in handy. Or if you're off the green with a big bunker right between you and the flagstick, a high, arching shot with a wedge is a good choice.  

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. Backspin is the backward rotation of the golf ball in flight along its horizontal axis (the top of the ball is rotating back towards the player), or the measured rate of that rotation with a wedge, causing the ball to back up once it hits the green.  

Any golf wedge can also be used for chipping around the green.  

For beginners, consider the gap wedge and lob wedge specialty clubs you will turn to later in your golf career.  

If you’re not sure what wedges you should have in your golf bag, come and talk the technicians at The HOUSE of GOLF. We will assess your skill level, game style and make sure you have the range of wedges for optimum results.