A Buyers Guide to Choosing Golf Wedges
Probably one of the most complicated clubs to choose is the wedge. There
are so many different variations of the club and styles that it can become
confusing, but it is worth the research as they are one of the most invaluable
clubs on the course. Some golfers will only have one wedge in their bag, but
wedges are often underestimated and can play a key part in the majority of your
game. By just having one in your bag you could be throwing away valuable strokes
to your competitors.
There are 4 basic wedges, as the majority of the
scoring is done from inside 100 yards it is always essential to have these four
wedges in your bag.
Wedges
|
Wedge Type |
Angle/Loft |
Description |
| Pitching
Wedge |
46-59
degrees |
Longest
wedge in terms of distance. Used 100-125 yards from
pin |
| Gap Wedge
|
50-54
degrees |
Fills gap
between pitching wedge and sand wedge |
| Sand
Wedge |
55-59
degrees |
Used for
bunkers and perfect for 90 yards from the pin |
| Lob Wedge
|
ro60-64
degrees |
Higher
short shots that will stop quicker on the
green |
How to Choose Your Wedge
Here is the basic
information on wedges that will enable you to choose the best clubs to suit your
playing style, needs and preferences.
Bounce Angle
This is a term to describe the
angle between the leading edge of the club and the sole of the club. It is the
indication s to how much the bottom of the club lifts the leading edge.
Bounce is introduced to control how easily wedges penetrate the ground
underneath the ball. A low or zero bounce will mean the bottom of the club is
flat and when striking the ball it will cut into the ground, this is necessary
in thin grass and tight lines. A high bounce angle is needed in deep rough or
sand to ensure the sole of the club impacts first keeping the wedge from digging
into the ground, enabling the golfer to strike the ball unhindered.
Wedges
Wedges are used for closer shots near
the green. Most players will carry three wedges and some will carry 4 or 5. It
all depends on your preferences and you skill as a player. Softer materials like
carbon steel, nickel and beryllium copper are the most common materials used for
wedges.
Club Head
You can have traditional club heads
which are slightly smaller or you can have the more modern club heads which tend
to be larger and more oversized.
Advantages of an oversized club head
• Added
face height
• Larger sweet spot
• Increased
forgiveness
The
added face height makes it less likely to dig the club into the ground when
making a swing. It will also make it easier to get under the ball when making a
shot, to get it out of the rough or sand etc. The wider sole of the head makers
it so that it’s easier to get the ball into the air. The disadvantages of an
oversized club are that it makes it harder to hit certain types of shots and
they can get entangled in the grass on approaching impact.
Traditional sized wedges allow you to shape the shot and gain more
control. The more control you have of a club the more forgiveness you lose, so
you have to be more skilled and accurate to use a traditional club. Traditional
wedges and less likely to get caught in the grass or sand making them perfect
for hitting out of a trap or a rough.
Click here for our full
range of Golf Wedges
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