Golf Wedges Explained: Types, Lofts, and Bounces

I cannot stress the importance of understanding each golf wedge explained in terms of their individual strength and proper usage, as this can impact your ability to make the right decisions on the course and grab a few shots back from the 18 holes.

The number of shots lost on approach shots inside 100 yards or around the greens is usually a good indicator of how the day went on the scorecard for the average golfer. You may not know this, but 100 yards and in is where the majority of your swings are taken.

That should be enough to make you understand that arming yourself with the right wedge for appropriate shots is important.

What are the Main Types of Wedges in Golf?

Pitching Wedge

The PW has a loft angle generally ranging from 44 to 48 degrees.

It can be used for various shots, including: as full swings, chip shots, and short approach shots. 

I sometimes use my pitching wedge for longer greenside bunker shots. I love the PW versatility makes, it is my favorite short club.

Sand Wedge

The sand wedge (SW) is a bit more specialized for crappier lies and mainly bunker play (sand, duh). The loft angle is between 54 and 58 degrees and is fantastic for hitting high shots that land softly on the green.

The sand wedge usually has a wider sole and more bounce than other wedges because you really will be using it in situations where you don’t want the club to dig into the sand or questionable lie you’re hitting out of around the green.

Lob Wedge

The highest loft angle of all the wedges, between 60 and 62 degrees, produces maximum loft and backspin for those REALLY intricate shots.

Whenever I want to be Phil Mickleson, I try using the lob wedge for flop shots, short-sided situations, and tricky shots over bunkers or other hazards.

The best feature of the LW is the high, soft shots that land with little to no roll, IF you hit it correctly. It’s something that takes a lot of practice, and I am still working on my short game in these facets.

What is an Approach Wedge?

It is also known as a "gap" wedge. This wedge does exactly what it sounds like - fills the gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge on approach shots and around the greens.

You have probably seen an “a” wedge (AW) or approach wedge, which is exactly what the gap wedge is.

The gap wedge loft is between 50 and 52 degrees and is helpful for more lofted shots than the PW but shorter shots than a SW.

You can use an approach wedge for pitch shots, chips around the green, and bunker shots where additional loft is needed.

Bounce on Golf Wedges Explained

This is the angle between the leading edge of the club head and the sole's lowest point, helping prevent digging into the turf or sand.

The right bounce angle is something a lot of golfers, myself included for a while, didn’t take into account at all, but actually, it is pretty important depending on your swing and course conditions.  

• Low Bounce (4-6°): For firm surfaces or players with shallow swing paths.
   

• Mid Bounce (7-10°): An all-around bounce for various course conditions.
   

• High Bounce (10+°): Ideal for soft surfaces or players with steep swing paths.

What is Grind on a Wedge?

Grind refers to the shaping of a wedge's sole. This feature impacts the club's performance and versatility, allowing golfers with different swing styles and techniques to optimize their wedge use.

• Heel & Toe Grind: Provides more versatility in open-faced shots.

• Wide Sole Grind: Offers more forgiveness and playability from the sand.

• Narrow Sole Grind: Works best for firm conditions and tight lies.

What Wedge Should I Use for Different Shots?

You may have a different swing or capability than I do (better or worse) but I will go through a few of the shots using wedges and tell you what club I use.

Bunker Shots

I use my sand wedge for pretty much all bunker shots because of the loft and bounce needed to get it up and onto the green. If the bunker shot is a little bit longer, if I am at the back of a long greenside bunker, let's say, I do use my pitching wedge as well.

Keep in mind this section relates to greenside bunkers. You don't want to be using a sand wedge when hitting out of fairway bunkers unless it is a unique deep one where you are up against the lip with no choice but to take your medicine and get it out.

Chip Shots

This is a bit trickier because depending on the lie and how close the pin is to me on the green, it really can be between my 56 degree wedge, gap wedge, and PW. More often than not, I will use the 56 degree or gap wedge. The more you practice how to chip in golf, the more variation in clubs you will be able to use as your skill grows.

Pitch Shots

I honestly don’t think I have ever used any other wedge other than a pitching wedge or gap wedge for pitch shots. Club wise, I have used a 9 iron many times for those longer pitches on big greens.

Practicing with Wedges

Practicing with wedges could be more appreciated by the average golfer.

YOU HAVE TO PRACTICE WITH THEM! You save so many strokes on the course. I am a mid handicapper and shoot generally low to mid 80s, and am really working hard on my short game. This is where I am losing a lot of my strokes since I have my driver and iron game pretty solid.

You have to take the time to practice all the different shots and different scenarios. Don’t become someone that uses just one wedge for all the shots in the short game, as you are really hindering your options and not giving yourself the best chance to make lower scores.

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