Did you know that 60% of amateur golfers do not believe the golf wedge to be a playable club? According to a poll performed by local Michigan country clubs, these amateur golfers know nothing about golf wedges, let alone the different golf wedges.
Therefore, this article focused on explaining everything you need to know about golf wedges, from golf wedge distances to their different types.
Not only that, but we also go through selecting the best golf wedge for you as a golfer and your game. So keep on reading and unfold the mystery!
How to Determine Club Distances?
There are a few different ways that you can measure your golf wedge distances. The most accurate way is by using a launch monitor. This will give you the exact distance that you hit each club.
You can pick from a variety of alternatives, including the Rapsodo Mobile or the FlightScope Mevo and the more costly SkyTrak Launch Monitor & Simulator Software.
If you don’t have access to a launch monitor, there are other ways to measure your distances. You can use online tools or even apps on your phone. These tools can help you to get an approximate measurement of how far you hit your wedges.
The most important thing is that you are consistent with the way that you measure your distances. This will give you accurate results that you can use to improve your game.
What is a Golf Wedge?
Wedges are golf clubs that are used for precise strokes around the green and tactic putts from 150 yards or fewer. It depends on how far the golf ball is launched.
Wedges are often referred to as “winning clubs” because they give you the best chance of hitting the ball close to the hole, which is a vital aspect in reducing the number of strokes you take throughout your round.
The vast majority of players will carry more than one wedge in their bag. These clubs have a great degree of persuasibility, and the choice of wedges you make will depend heavily on your preferences.
Different Types of Wedges
There are so many different golf clubs in golf that it may be difficult to understand what each one is for. Some clubs are just personal taste, but wedges are backbones that every golfer needs in his bag. Unlike woods and irons, wedges only come in four types.
Pitching Wedge
The pitching wedge is perhaps the most often used wedge. With a loft of 44-48 degrees, it is generally utilized for full strokes into greens and certain longer chip shots.
Most current sets choose a lower lofted or harder pitching wedge to fit in with longer-hitting iron types, creating a need or space for the appropriately termed gap wedge.
Gap Wedge
As the name says it all, these wedges fill the ‘gap’ between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. These wedges have a loft of between 50 and 53 degrees.
They are generally added to a player’s bag to cover a distance gap and give additional variation near the fairway for pitches that do not need a full force and longer chipping.
Sand Wedge
You’ll agree that sand bunkers are the most difficult obstacle if you’ve ever played golf. Knowing this, golf club makers have to produce sand wedges to improve the game in these plays.
Sand wedges are adaptable clubs developed for players who want to strike from the sand. The wide, spherical, and curved sand wedges make them ideal for chipping from the fringes and belly-wedge putting from the greenside rough’s collar.
A normal golf swing may hit the sand wedge approximately 90 yards. Sand wedges have the shortest shafts and are useful for adding spin to the ball.
Lob Wedge
Lob wedges are the most recent wedge design. It features a high loft of roughly 60 to 64 degrees, and these lob wedges help players to achieve higher loft and spin with strokes around the green.
It is more often utilized to hit chip shots, flop shots, and bunkers strokes than complete strokes. Now that you know about the golf wedges, it might be easier for you.
How Far Do Wedges Go?
A golf wedge is a club used to hit short-range shots, typically from within 120 yards of the green.
The bounce on a wedge helps determine how well it will dig into the ground upon impact and can influence how high or low the ball flies.
Factors Influencing Golf Wedge Distance
There are many factors that affect how far a golf wedge will travel. Some of these factors include the club’s Loft, its Bounce, Weather, Swing Speed, and Smash Factor.
Smash Factor is a measure of how efficiently the clubhead transfers energy from the swing to the ball. The higher the Smash Factor, the more distance the golf wedge will travel.
Swing Speed also contributes to how far a golf wedge will travel. Faster swings result in faster clubhead speeds, which means more distance.
Weather can also play a role in how far a golf wedge travels. Wind speeds and direction can impact the ball’s flight path, which in turn affects how far it will travel.
Golf Wedge Distance
There are a few things that you should keep in mind when shopping for a golf wedge. The first is the loft. Wedges typically come in lofts ranging from 46 to 60 degrees.
The higher the loft, the more difficult it will be to hit the ball accurately. If you are a beginner, it is best to start with a lower lofted wedge and work your way up as you become more skilled.
When we elaborate on this dream, the most important factor that comes into play is the golf wedge distances. If you want to achieve your dream and play like you hoped to become, you must have complete knowledge about golf wedge distance.
If you continue reading, you will find out different charts for average wedge distance and a complete distance chart in yards for different wedges with different lofts.
Average Wedge Distances
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Golf Wedge Distance Chart
The following chart shows the average distances a golf wedge can travel based on its loft and bounce.
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As you can see, the loft of a wedge affects how far it can travel, while the bounce influences how high or low the ball will fly. When selecting a wedge, keep in mind both factors in order to select the right club for your needs.
43 Degree Wedge Distance
The pitching wedge has a loft that is typically between 43 and 48. If we look at the golf wedge distances chart, we can see that a pitching wedge usually covers between 100 to 130 yards.
In the case of a 43-degree wedge, the distance covered by men is usually 115 yards+ while for women, the average distance is about 30 to 50 yards shorter than male golfers.
46 Degree Wedge Distance
The 46-degree pitching wedge will go around 115-120 yards on average. It all relies on the player’s talent and swing speed. It is simple for a novice to decide.
Take the wedge to the course and whack 10 golf balls with it. Now shorten the distance to a couple of balls that have come to rest quite close together.
This is not a precise science, but it will give you an idea of how far a beginner can anticipate hitting the ball with the pitching wedge. Understanding these distances, we can easily assume the distances covered by pros.
48 Degree Wedge Distance
A 48-degree wedge is an integral part of the set since it allows you to hit long distances. Please consider that the predicted distance from these wedges will vary depending on gender and age.
On average, male golfers will hit a wedge with a 48-degree loft from a distance of 110-115 yards. The course is about 77 yards shorter for female competitors. When using a wedge with a 48-degree, one might anticipate this to be the second-longest distance possible.
49 Degree Wedge Distance
The 49 degrees is utilized for distances of around 110 to 120 yards. If you do not swing with the 49-degree wedge as a complete swing, you will utilize it for shorter shots, but it will require practice to make the distance constant.
50 Degree Wedge Distance
Because it has a lower loft, a wedge with a 50-degree angle is more analogous to a pitching wedge. Because it allows for strokes with a higher trajectory and more spin, some players choose to substitute their pitching wedge with a 50-degree wedge rather than their standard pitching wedge.
A standard pitching wedge that comes out of a set with a large cavity back may give less control than using a blade-type wedge with a 50-degree loft angle.
The distance covered by the 50 will be somewhat greater, ranging anywhere from 85 to 125 yards and even sometimes covering more than 130 yards.
51 Degree Wedge Distance
51 degrees is a standard wedge when it comes to regular games. This specific piece of the golf club may be used for practically every golf shot. In this position, the golfer will often play with a pitching wedge.
However, they want to go a shorter distance. A wedge with a loft angle of 51 degrees carries around 80 to 110 yards when used in full swing. It goes without saying that this depends on a variety of other fundamental elements like gender and expertise.
52 Degree Wedge Distance
For males, between 80 and 115 yards may be expected when using a wedge with a 52-degree loft angle.
The average distance covered by women falls anywhere between sixty and eighty yards. It is entirely dependent on the golfer’s degree of expertise and length. However, the typical driving distance of a 52 Degree wedge for PGA Tour pros is around 125 yards.
53 Degree Wedge Distance
With a 53 Degree Wedge in their hand, the typical golfer can travel around 70 yards. On the other hand, top professionals often hit a 53-degree shot that goes more than 100 yards, with the majority going between 110 and 125 yards.
A male golfer can normally accomplish a distance of roughly 85 yards with his ball using a 53-degree wedge and a conventional club. On the other hand, female golfers may cover around 59 yards with the same wedge as male players.
54 Degree Wedge Distance
It is believed that the distance covered by a normal 54-degree wedge is anywhere between 80 and 110 yards. The golfer’s ability, in addition to the player’s gender, is a factor in determining the distance.
In addition, the average distance that female golfers travel is 15 yards less than that of male players. These higher lengths were achievable because the angle of the wedge was 54 degrees.
Fun Fact: When using a wedge with a 54-degree loft, it is common for novice golfers to hit the ball farther than seasoned players who use the same club.
55 Degree Wedge Distance
Chip shots are traditionally taken with a 60-degree wedge. However, there are certain situations in which the 55 Degree Wedge is useful. Assume the ball is in the rough but not completely tucked into the turf. Between the ball and the surface, there is some gap.
So, how would you go about taking a shot? Well, 55 Degree wedge might do the trick. It usually travels around 70 to 90 yards.
56 Degree Wedge Distance
The wedges with a 56-degree loft are also known as “sand wedges,” and their primary purpose on the golf course is to be utilized for chipping around the greens and hitting the ball out of the sand.
A wedge with a loft of 56 degrees has the maximum loft of any club that the average golfer should carry in his or her bag since it is one of the most often played clubs.
On average, an 84-yard shot is taken with a wedge with a 56-degree loft angle; however, the distance may range from 76 to 105 yards depending on the individual and gender.
58 Degree Wedge Distance
Both a 58-degree wedge and a 52-degree wedge fall into the same category, but due to the six-degree differential in their lofts, they will produce very different outcomes.
A 58-degree wedge will have a launch height in the air compared to a 60-degree wedge. It will be more perfect from around 15–20 yards less than the distance you hit a gap wedge.
The 58 will have much less roll and will be simpler to spin on the fairway than the 52.
60 Degree Wedge Distance
A 60-degree wedge is known as a lob wedge. It is used by golfers who are close to the fairway. Because of the higher loft, players will put the ball on the greens more softly.
A 60-degree wedge will typically travel 75 yards on average. It may, however, range in length from 60 to 100 yards.
Long swingers that take a full swing would most likely hit the ball around the 100-yard mark. This is no longer true, as most players now just take a half or three-quarter swing using their 60 degrees.
60 Degree Wedge Distance in Meters
On average, a professional golfer can drive a wedge with a 60-degree loft of around 91.5 meters. A golfer with a mid-handicap will most likely hit a 60-degree shot about 50 to 54 meters.
A golfer with a higher handicap would most likely hit their 60-degree wedge between 27 and 36 meters.
Not only that, a significant factor in this is the gender and playing style of the golfer. Usually, men tend to hit farther than most women players.
60 Degree Lob Wedge Distance
When you need to smash the ball yet let it touch gently, you should use a lob wedge, which has a loft of 60 degrees. It is possible to hit it straight from the fairway, and it will go between 60 to 70 yards in most cases.
The usage of lob wedges in golf games has increased in popularity over the last ten years because they make it simpler to hit bunkers strokes and flop shots.
61 Degree Wedge Distance
The 61-degree wedge lies in the category of lob wedge, and like any other lob wedge, the distance covered by a 61-degree wedge is almost as similar to the distance of a 60-degree wedge.
Henceforth the distance of a 61-degree wedge is around 55 to 65 yards for men, as for women, it is 10 to 15 yards less.
62 Degree Wedge Distance
Similarly, there is no significant difference between a 60, 64, and 62-degree wedge. The distance covered by these wedges is just 5-7 yards more or less than one another.
Because there is no separate specific distance, we can say that the 62-degree wedge distance is about 65 yards more or less.
64 Degree Wedge Distance
It is possible to play with the 64-degree wedge as a suitable complement to the 58-degree wedge, as it is a powerful grinder for deep bunkers and fairway flips from the rough.
Additionally, the 64-degree wedge may be used for deep bunkers. In order to cover 100 yards while playing with such a 64 degree, players need to play with pinpoint accuracy.
At the same time, the usual distance is around 70 – 85 yards.
65 Degree Wedge Distance
When used near the green, 65 Degree lob wedges are intended to launch the ball into the air at a high trajectory and generate a greater amount of spin on the ball. A golfer can hit a distance of 70 yards with a lob wedge if they use a conventional stroke.
This golf wedge is the one to use if you want more delicacy and control in your strokes rather than power and distance.
68 Degree Wedge Distance
Our list comes to a close with the 64 Degree lob wedge as the last wedge option. They have a loft angle of 68 degrees and are a bit more difficult to play with.
You could strike them really high and immediately halt their movement. They won’t go more than 60 yards even if you give them your maximum swing.
The 68-degree lob edge is an excellent choice for playing short bunker shots as well as flop strokes. They are the golf wedges that appear on the course the least often.
Difference Between 56 and 60 Degree Wedge
The main difference between a 56 and 60-degree wedge is the amount of loft. A 60-degree wedge has more loft than a 56-degree wedge, which means that it will launch the ball into the air at a higher trajectory.
This can be useful for getting the ball over obstacles or onto elevated greens. The increased loft on a 60-degree wedge can also make it more difficult to hit the ball cleanly, so you may need to adjust your swing slightly.
The other main difference between these two wedges is the amount of bounce. The bounce on a wedge is the angle of the sole in relation to the ground.
A higher bounce angle will cause the club to bounce more off the ground, which can help you get out of bunkers and other difficult situations.
A 56-degree wedge typically has a lower bounce angle than a 60-degree wedge, so it may be a better choice if you are looking for a club that you can use to play from a variety of surfaces.
Bounce of a Golf Wedge
The bounce is another key aspect to consider with wedges. Most people are unaware of this element, despite it being quite important and may significantly impact each golf shot.
The greater the bounce, the more the leading edge of the golf club will be elevated off the ground when it comes to resting position
Furthermore, a wedge with a low bounce angle is ideal for shots from tight lies. The edge will be closer to the surface, allowing for a more accurate golf ball striking.
A bouncy wedge is great for bunkers shots or striking out of thick rough. Because the leading edge is further from the ground, it may glide beneath the ball without cutting in or dragging.
Average Bounce Chart for Different Wedges
Here is a chart for Average Bounce for different types of golf wedges.
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Which Wedge Has the Most Spin?
When it comes to striking low shots with your wedge, spin is important, and as a result, you should always pay greater attention to which golf club produces the most spin. Fortunately, we have got you covered!
Basically, what happens is that the amount of spin that your wedges may gain is determined by the loft and the grooves on the club.
Assuming that all of your wedges have the same number of grooves, the wedge with the maximum loft will have the most amount of spin.
For the majority of individuals, this is their lob wedge.
How to Buy the Perfect Golf Wedge?
Wedges are scoring clubs in the game. When you have a shot that is fewer than 100 yards away, a wedge is often used. If you want to keep your wedges apart from your other irons, you may think about buying them directly.
The ability to hit your wedges from a range of lies should be there so that you can determine which ones perform best for your particular swing.
When buying a wedge, look for specific. You don’t have to be hasty, as it will later haunt you. So be patient and buy the wedge you feel the most comfortable with.
How to Hit with a Wedge of any Degree?
If you are a beginner, you may want to read these instructions as they will help you immensely in hitting your wedge shots. Take a look!
- Step 1: Check that the ball is placed in the exact center of the stance, and then move the leading edge of the wedge to touch the inside of your front foot.
- Step 2: Perform some practice swings to ensure that the club’s bounce is actually impacting the ground. This is one of the most important steps in achieving excellent hits.
- Step 3: After you have perfected the bounce, you need to make sure the center of your stance is towards the ball.
- Step 4: Put the club in the correct position, move your hands slightly forward, toward the inside of the foot, and lean forward slightly while dropping the wedge.
How to Hit with a Lob Wedge?
- Step 1: First, get into a neutral and square position by standing with your feet relatively close together, the ball in the middle of your stance, and the clubface open.
- Step 2: The second step is to open up the clubface to face right. This will cause it to aim to the right. Maintain your focus on the objective as you swing.
- Step 3: The next step is to bring the club back inside and turn it. You want the club to revolve around your body as it hits various targets.
- Step 4: Take your chance to make the shot you’ve been waiting for!
If you are attentive and follow these steps, you will have a far better chance of hitting the low spinning check shot with the lob wedge that you have always wanted to hit.
What Is the Ideal Layout for a Golf Wedge?
The pitching wedge and the sand wedge are the bare minima of wedges that you must consider playing with. The sand, pitching, and gap wedge are the three wedges that many golfers carry in their bags.
The number of wedges you can play should be determined by the different types of wedge shots you like hitting the most.
What Is a 48 Degree Wedge Used For?
A pitching wedge is a type of golf club that is used to hit short, high shots.
It has a wide sole and is heavyweight, which makes it easier to hit the ball high into the air. A pitching wedge is typically used when the ball is about 120 yards from the green.
What Wedge Degrees Do Pros Use?
Around 60% of professional golfers use a pitching wedge with a loft of 46°, with 48° lofts being the second most popular loft choice.
The most popular loft is the 52° option, which is utilized by 42% of gamers. The 50° variant is preferred by 33%.
What Is a 52-Degree Wedge Called?
A 52-degree wedge is also called a “gap wedge.” It’s designed t be used as a scoring club from around the green, and it falls between your sand wedge and pitching wedge in terms of the loft.
Conclusion
When it comes to getting the ball near the hole and cutting the number of strokes you take, having the right wedges in your bag is essential.
It is important to have a solid understanding of the functions offered by various types of wedges as well as the differences between them.
For instance, the distance, the loft and bounce of each wedge style will be different from one another. When choosing the sort of shot you need to strike, these considerations should be taken into account.
Our first and foremost piece of advice is to focus on getting plenty of practice for those just starting out. We hope you found this article helpful and that it assists you in improving your scores!
Last update on 2023-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API